Quick walks that pack in the punches: Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere, Hokitika, West Coast
Dorothy Falls, Hokitika
It’s perfect for young kids
At the time of writing, we have a 5 and 3 year old and a baby, so we were looking for the perfect short walk here on the West Coast, and we found it at Lake Kaniere. AND there’s a waterfall. Lots of wins, in a small period of time!
Driving to Lake Kaniere, I felt a bit like I was in the middle of nowhere. The landscape felt so different, like I was in the middle of a remote African wetland. Being a kiwi local, its so nice seeing something for the first time that transports me elsewhere and is not what I expect.
Perfect in the drizzle
We were recommended Dorothy Falls as a good place to visit when its wet. When we were in Hokitika for 4 days, the whole forecast was rain. So this is where we headed on the drizzly bleak day.
This was one of these drives, that I did wonder if I was going in the right direction, but you just keep on driving along the dirt/gravel road until you hit the clearing. You don’t need a 4WD here, cars are just fine. It is a one lane road, so do be careful of other cars on your way. (we headed in from the south, coming from Hokitika Gorge)
Just a 5 minute walk
We parked in the clearing and to the right, there was Dorothy Falls, which you could actually see from the beginning of the track. Barely a 1 minute walk took us to this tall waterfall and we spent a few moments taking photos and dipping our toes in the water. To the left, was a 5 minute walk down to Lake Kaniere. It was very sheltered under the trees and when you burst through the end of the forest, you reach the lakeside clearing. An excellent spot for a picnic on the rocks and obligatory stone throwing.
Easy walk for toddlers and children
We really liked that we could visit the lake and the waterfalls with only a few minutes of walking, which was great for our young boys. I love when they are able to walk on their own and have their own independence.
Sandfly Alert
Top tip: Do wear insect repellant as there are sandflies floating about, and don’t leave your car doors open for long if you don’t want to them tagging along for the ride home. Check out our post here for more how to deal with these pesky insects.
Other Activities in the Area
- Hokitika Gorge: a short drive from Hokitika, the water here is crazy beautiful
- Hokitika Beach: you can walk here from the town centre
- Woods Creek Walk
- Canoe Cove Walk
- The Best Things to do on the West Coast
If you are looking for unique accommodation in the area, make sure you check out the cool containers at the beachfront Ross Beach here
Jennifer
Founder of Backyard Travel Family
Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Having travelled extensively in Europe and Africa, has lived in London and the USA and holidayed in many parts of Asia, she is not a newbie to the travel space
Jen has three young children, 10 and under and travels around New Zealand with them.
what you need to know
Travel
- 25 minutes from Hokitika
- 35 minutes from Hokitika Gorge
We headed from Hokitika Gorge to Dorothy Falls. The last part of the road around the lake is a dirt road. No 4WD needed. Dorothy Falls is in the clearing and easily marked. You can't miss it.
The trail
- Gravel and compacted dirt
- A one minute walk to Dorothy Falls
- 5 -10 minutes walk from the clearing to Lake Kaniere. This track is covered by the trees so quite good on a drizzly day like we did
Suitable for kids?
- Babies obviously need to be carried or a stroller would fit on the Lake Kaniere track. It would be bumpy and then you could take them out when you hit the rocky lakeside.
- Toddlers could walk both of these track, just be careful on the rocks at the Falls. They are slippery.
- Very easy for kids
Facilities
- None
What to bring
- A lot of insect repellant or clothes to cover your arms and legs. The West Coast in known for their sandflies and they will eat you alive. They aren't dangerous, just extremely itchy.
Food options
-None in this area. Head back to Hokitika.
What the critics thought
