Sluice Box Lake Daniels Walk Lewis Pass
Whenever we drive across the Lewis Pass a favourite stop is at Marble Hill Picnic Area where the hike for Lake Daniels starts.
With a backdrop of the towering Southern Alps and a sea of windswept tussock, it is a gorgeous stop in its own right just to soak up the atmosphere and beauty of the surrounding nature.
After an easy 5-10 minute walk in the beech forest you eventually come to a small bridge crossing aptly named The Sluice Box.
Shaped like a sluicing box from the gold mining days, it is like a little mini gorge and the waters here are often the amazing turquoise blue/green.
For our guests coming from or heading to Kaikoura, this stop is included on our suggested sightseeing stops we give them. Helps break up the drive, giving an opportunity for a wee leg stretch and some fresh air and to just be immersed in some stunning nature and scenery.
Blue Pools on Haast Pass and Hokitika Gorge are more famous for their colouring but the drive to the Hokitika Gorge is quite the detour and the walk into the Blue Pools is around 40 minutes, so for us we think this is a great compromise. Getting the added bonus of the beautiful beech forest too.
Coming from the East Coast over Lewis Pass, at the bottom of the Pass you have Maruia Springs Thermal Resort, and then at the end of the straight after about 5 minutes of driving on your left is the sign for Marble Hill Picnic Area/Lake Daniels Walk.
Coming from the West Coast after Springs Junction you have a short valley drive, straight road and then an S bend and the signage for the Picnic Area and walk is on your left as you come out of the S bend.
Follow the gravel road right to the end for the carparking for Lake Daniels Walk. There is a covered Kiosk Information Centre and you’ll see the track head off into the bush to the right of the Kiosk with the Sluice Box signposted.
Remember take only photos and leave only footprints – enjoy
Jan and Stephen run Breakers Boutique Accommodation, beachfront bed and breakfast accommodation on the Coast Road north of Greymouth. They love getting out and exploring and love to share their explorations, especially with their guests, ensuring they make the most of the holiday to NZ and their time on the West Coast.
