Jum Michel Track

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Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed stars of the Jum Michel Track are the trees. You are walking through an old-growth Podocarp forest, a type of temperate rainforest that was once widespread across New Zealand. Look up, and you’ll see the "big three": miro, mataī, and the legendary tōtara. These trees are hundreds of years old, their trunks thick with moss and their canopies reaching high into the sky.

• The Rimu Fruit: If you’re visiting in the right season, look for the distinctive small, red fruits of the rimu. These are a vital food source for our native birds and add a splash of colour to the deep greens of the forest.
• The Mahoe Leaves: The understory is thick with mahoe, easily identifiable by its large, broad leaves. It creates a lush, prehistoric atmosphere that makes you half-expect a dinosaur to poke its head around the corner.
• Informative Panels: One of the best features for families is the series of informative panels dotted along the track. They offer fascinating insights into the flora and fauna around you, turning a simple walk into an outdoor classroom. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged as they "hunt" for the next sign.

Getting There

Finding the Jum Michel Track is a breeze. From Hokitika, head south on State Highway 6 for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the historic Lake Māhinapua Hotel on your right—you can’t miss it; it’s a West Coast icon. Directly opposite the hotel, turn left into the Lake Māhinapua access road.

Follow this gravel road for about 300 metres as it winds toward the recreation area. You’ll find plenty of parking at the northern edge of the car park. The track entrance is well-marked, and the reserve itself is a lovely spot for a picnic if you want to hang around after your walk.

Wildlife Spotting

The Lake Māhinapua Scenic Reserve is a sanctuary for birdlife. Because the Jum Michel Track passes through such a healthy, diverse forest, your chances of seeing (and hearing) some of New Zealand’s most iconic birds are very high.

• The Songsters: You will almost certainly hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the bellbird (korimako) and the complex, guttural songs of the tūī. They are active year-round and love the nectar-rich flowers of the forest.
• The Aerialists: Look out for the friendly fantail (pīwakawaka). These little birds are famously curious and will often follow hikers along the trail, flitting through the canopy to catch the insects disturbed by your footsteps.
• The Heavyweights: Keep an eye on the upper branches for the kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon). They are large, beautiful birds with iridescent green and bronze feathers and a bright white "singlet." You’ll often hear them before you see them—their wings make a very distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly.
• The Ground Dwellers: If you hear a rustle in the ferns, it might be a weka. These flightless, inquisitive birds are common in the area. They are notorious for being "thieves," so keep an eye on your shiny belongings if you stop for a snack!
• The Rare Sight: If you head closer to the lake edge, you might even spot the majestic white heron (kōtuku), though these are much rarer and usually seasonal.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: This is perhaps the best time for bird enthusiasts, as the forest is alive with nesting activity and the spring blossoms provide plenty of food for the honey-eaters.
• Summer: The deep shade of the forest provides a cool, refreshing escape from the summer sun.
• Autumn and Winter: The West Coast is often stunning in the cooler months—the air is crisp, and the forest feels even more lush and mysterious when the mist rolls in from the Tasman Sea.

• Best time to start: Early morning is magic. The "dawn chorus" of the birds is at its peak, and the low sunlight filtering through the Podocarp canopy makes for incredible photos.
• What to bring: Even though it’s a short walk, always bring a light rain jacket (it’s the West Coast, after all!). Water and a small snack are good to have, and don't forget the insect repellent—the sandflies can be enthusiastic near the lake!
• Footwear: Sturdy sneakers are fine for dry days, but if there has been recent rain, waterproof hiking shoes or boots will save your socks from the boggy patches.
• Kid-friendly: This is an absolute winner for kids. The flat terrain and short duration mean they won't get too tired, and the boardwalks and "secret" forest paths feel like a big adventure.

Local & Regional Context

The area around Lake Māhinapua is steeped in history. For Māori, the lake and its surrounding forests were a vital source of food (mahinga kai), particularly for eels (tuna) and birds. The name Māhinapua itself carries stories of the ancestors and the spiritual connection to the land.

In the colonial era, the lake served as an important transport link. Before the coastal roads were fully established, paddle steamers would ferry passengers and goods across the lake as part of the journey between Hokitika and Ross. The forest you are walking through today is a precious remnant of the vast wilderness that once dominated the entire West Coast. Its preservation within the Scenic Reserve ensures that the "Wild West Coast" remains a reality for future generations, not just a story in a history book.

After the Walk

No trip to the Jum Michel Track is complete without a visit to the Lake Māhinapua Hotel. Located just 100 metres from the track entrance, this historic pub has been serving weary travellers since 1905. It is the quintessential West Coast experience.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with plenty of local memorabilia on the walls. If you’re hungry, their "hearty pub classics" are exactly what you need after a walk. We highly recommend trying their famous whitebait fritters—a true West Coast delicacy.

While dogs aren't allowed on the Jum Michel Track itself (to protect the vulnerable ground-dwelling birds like the weka), the hotel features a dog-friendly beer garden. So, if you have your furry friend waiting in the car, they can join you for a relaxing drink in the sun while you recount the highlights of your rainforest adventure.