Lake Wilkie
A quiet lake surrounded by primeval rainforest. The boardwalk loop takes about half an hour, and on calm days the lake mirrors the entire forest.
Lake Wilkie is a small lake formed when post-glacial sand dunes blocked a valley. Around it, the vegetation runs in a complete sequence from lakeshore wetland to mature rainforest, making the lake a living textbook for studying vegetation succession. The boardwalk loop takes about 30 minutes on flat ground, and on clear, windless days the lake reflects the forest like a mirror. It lies a few kilometres south of Florence Hill Lookout and is free to visit.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Florence Hill Lookout
- The Lost Gypsy Gallery
- Cathedral Caves (Waipati)
- McLean Falls
- Matai Falls & Horseshoe Falls
- Purakaunui Falls
- Owaka Museum Wahi Kahuika
- Jack's Blowhole