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Kaniere, near Hokitika
9.9 km
4 hours
238 metres
If you are looking for a walk that perfectly encapsulates the wild, mossy soul of the West Coast, the Kaniere Water Race Walkway is a must-add to your itinerary. Located just a short drive from Hokitika, this 9.9-kilometre point-to-point trail offers a fascinating journey through both time and nature. It isn't just a bushwalk; it is a walk alongside a living piece of history—a water race hand-carved into the landscape in 1875 to support the gold mining boom, and later repurposed for hydro-electric power.
The experience of the walk is defined by the constant, soothing presence of moving water. For much of the journey, you’ll be walking directly alongside the race, where the gentle gurgle of the stream provides a rhythmic soundtrack to your trek. The trail itself is a bit of a "tale of two halves," making it incredibly versatile for different types of hikers.
The first section, starting from The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere and heading toward Wards Road, is a delight for casual walkers and families. This part of the track is well-formed, measuring about 1.5 metres wide with a smooth surface and very gentle inclines. You’ll wind through lush, vibrant native bush where the canopy of towering kahikatea and rimu filters the sunlight into a soft, emerald glow. Because this section is part of the famous West Coast Wilderness Trail, it is maintained to a high standard.
However, once you pass Wards Road, the character of the trail shifts dramatically. This is where the "moderate" difficulty rating comes into play. The track narrows significantly, often to less than a metre wide, and the terrain becomes much more "classic Kiwi tramping" style. You’ll need to watch your footing as you navigate exposed tree roots, rocks, and uneven ground. There are also several sets of steps and steeper drop-offs alongside the track. For those who love a bit of a challenge and a more "intrepid" feel, this southern section is arguably the most rewarding, as it feels deeply immersed in the virgin ngahere (native forest).
Expect to spend about four hours completing the full 9.9-kilometre length. Because it is a point-to-point trail, you’ll either need to arrange a car shuffle with a friend or be prepared to turn around and head back the way you came. Whether you do the whole thing or just a short segment, the sense of serenity here is palpable—it’s a place where the air feels heavy with oxygen and the modern world feels a million miles away.
Gravel car parks are available at both the start (The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere) and the end (Kennedy Creek on Hokitika-Lake Kaniere Road) of the track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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Point to point
The undeniable star of the show is the historic water race itself. It is a marvel of 19th-century engineering, and seeing how it hugs the contours of the hills is truly impressive. In the calmer sections, the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the overhanging ferns and mossy banks, providing some of the best photo opportunities on the West Coast.
Another highlight is the incredible biodiversity of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve. You will move through sections of virgin forest that have never been logged, standing in the shadows of ancient giants. The contrast between these ancient trees and the "regenerating" bush—areas that are slowly reclaiming old mining sites—is a beautiful testament to nature’s resilience.
For those walking with children, the bridged stream crossings in the first half are always a hit. These spots offer a great vantage point to look down into the clear water and see the intricate stonework of the race. If you are a history buff, keep your eyes peeled for old remnants of the mining era; while nature has reclaimed much, the very existence of the path you are walking on is a monument to the grit of the early West Coast pioneers.
The Kaniere Water Race Walkway is easily accessible from Hokitika, making it a perfect half-day adventure.
To reach the northern starting point, head toward The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere. From Hokitika, follow Lake Kaniere Road for about 18 kilometres. You will find a gravel car park at The Landing, which is well-signposted. This is a beautiful spot in its own right, often used for picnics and boat launching.
If you prefer to start from the southern end (or if you are setting up a car shuffle), the trailhead is at Kennedy Creek on the Hokitika-Lake Kaniere Road. There is a gravel car park here as well. Because the trail follows the general direction of the road (though tucked away in the forest), it is very easy to navigate between the two points.
The West Coast is a haven for native birds, and the Kaniere Water Race Walkway is no exception. The thick canopy and permanent water source make this a five-star hotel for New Zealand’s feathered residents.
The most common companion on your walk will be the New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds are known for following hikers, darting through the air to catch the insects stirred up by your boots. You’ll also likely hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the New Zealand Bellbird (Korimako) and the iconic, multi-toned call of the Tūī.
Look up into the higher branches to spot the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon). You’ll often hear them before you see them—their wings make a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly. Their iridescent green and bronze feathers are a spectacular sight when they catch a stray beam of sunlight.
If you are quiet and keep a sharp eye on the tree trunks, you might also spot the South Island Tomtit (Ngirungiru) with its white breast, or hear the high-pitched "trill" of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro). The best time for birdwatching is early morning when the "dawn chorus" is at its peak, but because this forest is so dense and healthy, you’ll likely see plenty of activity throughout the day.
The Kaniere Water Race is more than just a path; it is a thread that connects the modern West Coast to its rugged colonial past. When it was built in 1875, it was a massive undertaking, designed to bring water from the lake to the gold claims at Kaniere Forks. In an era before heavy machinery, the sheer manual labour required to dig this 9-kilometre race through dense bush and hard earth is mind-boggling.
As the gold rush faded, the race found a new purpose. In the early 20th century, it was used to power a hydro-electric station, which provided some of the first electricity to the Hokitika area. Today, the race is still functional, feeding the Kaniere Forks and McKays Creek power stations.
For the local Māori, the Lake Kaniere area has long been a place of significance for food gathering and transit. The name Kaniere itself has deep roots in the region's history. Walking here, you aren't just traversing a forest; you are walking through a landscape that has sustained and challenged people for centuries.
After four hours on your feet, you’ll have worked up a serious appetite! Luckily, Hokitika is just 15-20 minutes away and has some fantastic spots to refuel.
The Kaniere Water Race Walkway is a true West Coast gem. It’s a walk that rewards you with every step, offering a peaceful retreat into a world of green shadows, sparkling water, and echoes of the past.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Renowned for its melodious, bell-like song, it plays a vital role in pollinating native plants.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica macrocephala macrocephala
The male South Island Tomtit is easily identified by its distinctive yellow breast and is known for its sweet, high-pitched song used for territorial defence and mate attraction.
Best time: Year-round