After you take a moment at the Control Gates to enjoy the water of the lake flowing into Waiau River, continue along the shore of the lake to make your way to Dock Bay.

This walk will take you through lush native forest. The mountains on the Kepler track—and this walk is the beginning of that track—are known to bring on a lot of rain, so it is no wonder that the vegetation in this area truly comes alive. The red beech trees will have moss growing on their roots. In contrast to these tall imposing trees, you will come across a grove of hard tree ferns and crown ferns. 

After the grove, you will land on Dock Bay, where you can picnic and swim. An easy walk from the car park, it is perfect for a day trip with the family away from the main beaches in town. There is also a water taxi that takes you from Te Anau to Dock Bay. A popular alternative to a return walk is walking from Te Anau to Dock Bay and taking the taxi back, or the other way around. Taking the taxi back is a good way to watch sunset on the lake.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 1 hour walk
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Bikes allowed: Yes
  • Route: Return
  • Elevation: None
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: There are toilet facilities at the bay.
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes
  • Last Updated: April, 2020

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