Overview
Lake Kaniere is a picturesque lake located in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated in the heart of the West Coast's rainforest, which is known for its rugged landscapes and unique flora and fauna. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating in the surrounding area. The region is also home to several historic sites and landmarks, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
Lake Kaniere Details | |
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Location | Lake Kaniere |
Region | West Coast |
District Council | Westland District |
Sub-District | Westland District |
Postal Code: | - |
Current Time: | 09:11 AM |
Date: | Saturday, October 04, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 52.17 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -42.8310 |
Longitude | 171.1458 |
DMS Lat | -43° 10' 8.5221'' |
DMS Long | 171° 8' 44.9038'' |
History
Lake Kaniere was formed during the last ice age and has been a significant source of freshwater for the region's flora and fauna ever since. The lake is named after Ngati Waewae chief Kaniere, who was a prominent figure in the local Maori community. The lake and its surrounding rainforest played a crucial role in the lives of the local Maori people for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. Today, Lake Kaniere is a popular destination for tourists, who come to experience its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Geography
Lake Kaniere is situated in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. The lake is fed by several small streams and is surrounded by dense rainforest and rugged mountains. The region is known for its high rainfall, which helps to maintain the lake's water levels and contributes to the stunning natural beauty of the area. The lake is also a popular destination for fishing, with trout being the most commonly caught fish in the area.
Lake Kaniere is located at latitude -42.83096608 and longitude 171.14580660 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -43° 10' 8.5221'' and longitude 171° 8' 44.9038'' (DMS).
Below is map of Lake Kaniere
Demographics
The Lake Kaniere area has a very small permanent population, with most residents being farmers or involved in the tourism industry. The town of Hokitika, located approximately 20 kilometers from Lake Kaniere, is the closest population center and provides most of the services and amenities for the region. The area is predominantly European, with a small Maori and Pacific Islander community.
Climate
The Lake Kaniere area has a cool, temperate climate with high rainfall throughout the year. The surrounding rainforest is one of the wettest areas in New Zealand, with some areas receiving over 6 meters of rain annually. The region experiences mild temperatures throughout the year, with warm summers and cool winters.
Lake Kaniere Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Lake Kaniere Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 92%
Wind: 4.01 mt/sec towards W
observed on 03 Oct 2025 21:00
Lake Kaniere Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
13.49°C to 13.49°C
Light rain
13.78°C to 14.36°C
Light rain
13.48°C to 13.48°C
Light rain
14.48°C to 14.48°C
Light rain
11.17°C to 11.17°C
Light rain
14.31°C to 14.31°C
Broken clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Lake Kaniere is home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Dorothy Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall located on the lake's eastern shore. Other popular tourist attractions include the Kaniere Water Race, which is an historic water race built in the late 1800s to supply water to the goldfields of Hokitika and the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding rainforest.
Economy
The economy of the Lake Kaniere area is primarily based on agriculture and tourism. The region is known for its high-quality dairy and beef products, which are produced by local farmers. Tourism is also an important contributor to the local economy, with visitors coming to the area to experience its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The town of Hokitika provides most of the services and amenities for the region, including shops, restaurants and accommodation options.
Nearby Schools
Sr. No. | School Name |
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1 | Active Explorers Hokitika |
2 | Harper Park Early learning Centre |
3 | Hokitika School |
4 | Kaniere School |
5 | Kidsfirst Kindergartens Hokitika |
Nearby Towns and Cities
Popular Towns and Cities | |
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Big Bay, West Coast | Camp Bay, West Coast |
Christmas Bay | Dorothy Falls |
Hans Bay | Hans Island |
Hooker Creek | Kent Creek |
Lake Kaniere | Rocky Point / Tauotikirangi |