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Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
700 metres
18 minutes
0 metres
If you’re looking for a walk that feels like a secret portal into New Zealand’s rugged past, the Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk near Hokitika is exactly what you need. Tucked away in the emerald embrace of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, this short but incredibly punchy trail offers a sensory feast of gold mining history and lush West Coast rainforest.
At just 0.7km, it’s a walk that anyone can tackle, yet it packs more character into its twenty minutes than many trails three times its length. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a tourist road-tripping the wild West Coast, this loop is a "must-do" that perfectly captures the spirit of the region.
Stepping onto the Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk is a bit like stepping into a time machine. The terrain is flat and gentle, making it a dream for families with little ones or those who just want to soak in the scenery without breaking a sweat. However, don't let the "easy" rating fool you into thinking it's boring. The adventure begins almost immediately as you approach the hand-dug tunnels that give the walk its name.
The path leads you through a landscape that was once a hive of frantic activity during the 1850s gold rush. Today, nature has reclaimed the land with a vengeance. You’ll find yourself walking through a vibrant, regenerating native forest where the air is noticeably cooler and carries that sweet, earthy scent of damp moss and decomposing leaf litter—the quintessential smell of the West Coast bush.
Underfoot, the track is well-formed, featuring a mix of forest floor and sturdy boardwalks designed to protect the delicate root systems of the towering rimu and kamahi trees. The real magic, however, lies in the contrast between the dark, cool interiors of the tunnels and the bright, "enchanted forest" vibes of the terraces. It’s a short loop, but the transition from the roadside to the deep, silent bush feels like entering another world entirely.
The absolute standout feature of this walk is, unsurprisingly, the goldmining tailrace tunnels. These were painstakingly carved out of the earth by hand over 150 years ago. Walking through them today, you can still see the marks of the prospectors' tools.
Parking is available at a signposted carpark on Stafford Loop Road. The walk starts on Stafford Loop Road, off SH 6, approximately 15 km north of Hokitika. Note that Tunnel no. 1, closest to the carpark, is currently closed due to rockfall; the starting point for the walk is Tunnel no. 2, located about 100 metres east along the road from the carpark.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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
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Loop
While Tunnel no. 1 (closest to the main carpark) is currently closed due to rockfall, Tunnel no. 2 is very much open for business. Located just a short 100-metre stroll further along the road, this tunnel serves as your gateway into the loop. It’s a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike to venture into the dark, feeling the temperature drop and hearing the echoes of your own footsteps.
Once you emerge from the tunnel, keep an eye out for the hand-stacked tailings. These are piles of rocks left behind by miners who used high-pressure water (sluicing) to wash away the hillsides in search of gold. Seeing these moss-covered rock stacks up close gives you a tangible sense of the "hard graft" and sheer physical labour that shaped this region.
If you happen to visit at dusk or after dark, the tunnels and the sheltered embankments along the track often host small colonies of glowworms. It turns a historical walk into a magical light show, though you’ll definitely need a good torch to navigate safely!
Finding the Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk is straightforward, making it a great addition to a day trip to Lake Kaniere or the Hokitika Gorge.
From Hokitika, head north on State Highway 6 for about 15 kilometres. You’ll then turn onto Stafford Loop Road. There is a well-signposted carpark available right on Stafford Loop Road.
Pro Tip: Because Tunnel no. 1 is currently closed, don't be confused when you see the barriers at the first entrance. Simply walk about 100 metres east (further along the road) from the carpark to find the clearly marked entrance for Tunnel no. 2. This will lead you onto the loop in the opposite direction, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the scenery.
The West Coast is a haven for native birdlife, and the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is no exception. As you meander through the kamahi and rimu forest, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like calls of the Bellbird (korimako) and the iconic, multi-toned song of the Tūī. These birds are common year-round and are often seen flitting through the high canopy.
The Fantail (pīwakawaka) is almost guaranteed to make an appearance. These cheeky little birds love to follow hikers, darting around your feet to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps.
If you look toward the mid-canopy, you might spot the South Island Tomtit (ngirungiru) with its distinct black head and white breast. For those with a keen eye, the large, heavy Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) can occasionally be seen perched on branches, looking somewhat clumsy but magnificent with its iridescent green and purple feathers.
At dusk, listen for the haunting "more-pork" call of the Ruru, New Zealand's only surviving native owl. They are masters of camouflage, but their distinctive call is a classic soundtrack to a West Coast evening.
The Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk is truly a year-round destination. Unlike the high-alpine tracks of the Southern Alps, this low-elevation bush walk is accessible even in the depths of winter.
The area around Hokitika and Lake Kaniere is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. For Māori, this region was part of the vital pounamu (greenstone) trails, where the precious stone was gathered from the riverbeds and transported across the mountains.
The Tunnel Terrace specifically reflects the 1860s gold rush era. Unlike the deep quartz mining found elsewhere, the West Coast was famous for alluvial mining. Miners built incredible networks of water races and tailraces to move vast amounts of water to wash the gold out of the gravel terraces. The tunnels you walk through today are remnants of this massive engineering feat.
Today, the area is part of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). It serves as an important remnant of the vast podocarp forests that once covered the entire coast, offering a sanctuary for species that have disappeared from other parts of New Zealand.
Once you’ve finished your loop and stepped back into the 21st century, you’ll likely be ready for a treat.
Drive 15 minutes back into Hokitika, a town famous for its "cool little town" vibe. For a post-walk refuel, you can’t beat Fat Pipi Pizza—their whitebait pizza is a local legend (when in season!). If you’re after a caffeine hit and a hearty sandwich, the Hokitika Sandwich Company offers some of the best artisanal subs in the country, perfect for taking down to the beach to watch the Tasman Sea rollers come in.
If you have a bit more energy left in the tank, head further inland to the Hokitika Gorge. The bright turquoise water and swing bridge are world-famous and make for the perfect photographic companion to your morning at Tunnel Terrace.
The Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk might be short, but it’s a perfect microcosm of what makes the West Coast so special: a blend of raw natural beauty, slightly eerie history, and that unmistakable feeling of being deep in the heart of the wild.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
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