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Hiking

Ship Creek Dune Lake Walk: coastal forest and West Coast views

ReGear

Explore Ship Creek’s 1 km Dune Lake loop: about 30 minutes, coastal boardwalks, viewing platforms, parking and toilets, plus location and route maps.

Dunes, boardwalk and coastline at the Ship Creek Dune Lake Walk.

The Dune Lake Walk at Ship Creek / Tauparikākā brings together dunes, wind-shaped forest and a sheltered lake. It is a rewarding coastal stop with several different views in a small area.

Quick facts

  • 1 km loop; allow around 30 minutes plus stops.
  • Easy short walk with boardwalks and coastal forest.
  • The initial dune section is wheelchair accessible; check suitability for the continuation.
  • Toilets and picnic tables at the car park; no dogs.

Getting to the start

Use the signed Ship Creek turnoff from SH6, about 20 km north of Haast. Both local walks start from this parking area. Bring drinking water and leave room for other vehicles.

Location and route maps

Ship Creek Dune Lake location relative to Haast on real aerial imagery, with north up.
Ship Creek Dune Lake mapped walking track highlighted orange on real aerial imagery, with its entrance marked and north up.

DOC track information and official map.

The walk, step by step

  1. Choose the Dune Lake Walk at the signed start.
  2. Follow the boardwalk through the sand dunes.
  3. Continue through low coastal forest to the lake and coastal viewing platforms.
  4. Complete the marked loop back to the car park.

Effort and conditions

This is an easy walk, with the coast’s wind and rain often more noticeable than the physical effort. Wet timber can be slippery. Stay on the formed route to protect the dunes and plants.

What I would bring

I would bring a raincoat even for a short stop, plus insect repellent and shoes with grip. A snack can wait until the picnic area, where it is easier to sit and keep track of rubbish.

Planning your return

The separate Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk adds about 800 m return and 20 minutes. Choose one or both according to the group’s energy. Check current DOC notices, allow extra time for photographs and keep away from rough surf.

More walks to compare

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 4 October 2026.

Maps: LINZ Basemaps and imagery contributors, CC BY 4.0. Track geometry: Crown copyright, Department of Conservation, DOC Tracks dataset, CC BY 4.0. Location labels and route highlights added.

Photo: Dune_Lake_Walk_Ship_Creek_MRD_03.jpg — Mike Dickison. CC BY 4.0. Resized for display.