Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve NZ

The Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk follows the Lake Daniell Track for about 5 minutes to a small picturesque gorge formed by the Maruia River.

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve

The Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk is a very short walk, but is a nice way to stretch the legs if you are driving to or from the West Coast (or Nelson) via the Lewis Pass. It’ll only take 5 minutes to get to the bridge on the Lake Daniell Track, however you might like to spend some time down on the rocky Maruia River bed. The river narrows to a short gorge here, the Sluice Box, and is a lovely green colour. The surrounding area is quite picturesque. Track notes at the end.

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk: The Scenery

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
The view from the car park over river flats.
Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
This walk is the first 5 minutes of the Lake Daniell Track.
Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
The Sluice Box gorge.

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
We walked down besides the Maruia River.
Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
The Sluice Box viewed from down on the riverbed.
Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
Maruia River and mountains to the north west.

Track Notes

Sluice Box Bridge Short Walk, Lewis Pass Reserve
On the Lake Daniell Track as far as the bridge, then if you like you can take an unmarked track just to the left of the bridge down to the riverbed.

On the Lake Daniell Track as far as the bridge, then if you like you can take an unmarked track just to the left of the bridge down to the riverbed. There’s more information on the Lake Daniell Track on the DOC website.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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