The Kinloch Nature Walk is an attractive, easy walk through mainly regrowth beech forest near Kinloch on the northwest shore of Lake Wakatipu. Start by walking south along Greenstone Station Road for a few minutes until you see a track marker. From there, the track is easy to follow through the forest, between the lake and the road. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Todd’s cottage.
In some places, you can get to the lake shore, which is either rock-lined, with low overhanging tree branches, or piled up with driftwood. Towards the end of the walk, you reach a small grassy point with a stony beach, a pier and the old cottage. The chair made from driftwood out front is a particular curiosity. The views across the lake to the Richardson Mountains are also superb. You can return the same way, but we suggest walking back down the gravel Greenstone Station Road. There is very little traffic, and the most notable beech trees are on the side of the road. Keep an eye out for fungi in season!
The short section of forest is also rich in birds, with piwakawaka (fantails) and korimako (bellbirds) especially noticeable.
