Kaihoka Lakes walk
Track category
Walking track
Time:
10 min
Distance:
1.3 km
Description
Kaihoka Lakes
Coastal hills form a dramatic backdrop to these beautiful lakes. A 10-minute walking track begins beside one lake and heads gently down to the other. There is space to picnic at the car park and further along the road next to the lake.
Dogs and fires are not allowed in Kaihoka Lakes Scenic Reserve.
Getting there
At Pakawau, turn left off the main road and head over Pakawau Saddle, turning right on to Kaihoka Road just before Whanganui Inlet. Follow this road for 6 kilometres to Kaihoka Lakes Scenic Reserve.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
The reserve is distinguished by its massed nikau palms, which give the walk a tropical feel. Here and there, dense glades of young matai, kahikatea, cedar and tanekaha indicate that the forest is recovering after past disturbance.
Large carnivorous Powelliphanta snails live in the reserve and a variety of water fowl can be seen on the lakes. Shags, paradise ducks, Canada geese and grey ducks all find shelter there among the raupo (bullrushes) and reeds.
Places to stay
There are no huts, and camping is not allowed.
Guides and commercial tourism providers