Lou's Lookout
Lou's Lookout
Lake Waikaremoana
Maps
Photos
Information
The vantage point looks straight up the spine of the lake. A cross section of Panekiri Bluff to the west falls to the many indentations of the Whanganui Inlet. The Puketukutuku Range is the bulbous hummock which separates the Whanganui Inlet from the Wairau Arm. The eastern shores rise towards Lake Waikareiti. The nearby ridge crest, backed by the Ngamoko Range, is dotted with bizarre sculpted blocks, which face the rippling lake below.
Access
The start of the track is signposted opposite the small parking bay 9 km south of the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre.
Track
This steep track climbs to the top of the ridge for a magnificent lake viewpoint. Numerous steps aid the climb, which weaves through the fragmented blocks of rock. The angles of the rock beds are tilted to almost vertical and where blocks have split, there are cave arches and holes. For this reason, keep to the track.
Entering kamahi forest near the top, the track arrives at a viewing platform with supreme lake views.
Flora
Rosie Bay and the containment measures in action to contain the invasion of the water weed, Lagarosiphon major, are tucked into the foreground.
European History
Lou Dolman, a well-known policeman at Tuai, took a keen interest in the construction of tracks around Lake Waikaremoana during the 1960s. This track is named in his honour.
Details
30 mins to 1 hour
Moderate walk
DOC Managed
Contact
Reviews
Harriet and Paul
Ranking: 10/10
Superb place! It was an utterly beautiful area and the view from Lou's lookout was lovely. Very atmospheric when the mist comes in over the mountain, a place not to be missed.
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Katharina Schick
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful spot with a nice view.
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Sylvain Schiber
Ranking: 10/10
Very nice walk full of different little paths with cliffs and rocks. Perfect to relax after the Great Walk.
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Nimh Oudhof
Ranking: 9/10
Really nice, short but definitely worth it, not boring at all.
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jag1
Ranking: 9/10
A short and fairly constant climb to an absolutely panoramic view of the lake. Highly recommended.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
Nick Morrison
Rankers owner
