WEST COAST 6
HOKITIKA GORGE WALK
A great little leg stretcher for those driving around the South Island’s dramatic West Coast.
Where is it? Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, Whitcombe Valley Rd, 33km east of Hokitika.
Terrain Boardwalks, bush tracks, well maintained.
No dogs 30min return; 650m each way Basic fitness required Easy tramping track
TRACK OVERVIEW The walking track starts at the car park and, after the first few steps, you’ll find yourself in a cool and impressive podocarp forest .Very soon, you’ll pop out onto the viewing platform. When you look down the magnificent Hokitika Gorge, you’ll see how powerfully water carves its way through the land, capable of creating impressive gorges like this one. Up to this point, the track is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. From here, go another short distance along elegantly constructed board walks until you reach a swing bridge for a glimpse of the turquoise waters of the Hokitika River flowing through the gorge. For more views, cross the swing bridge to another platform providing more stunning vistas.
Hokitika seaside town is where the beach is famed for its huge driftwood deposits and the famous annual Hokitika Wild Foods Festival which serves anything from huhu grubs to mountain oysters (also known as bull testicles!) On the doorstep there are treetop walks and the 40m-high Hokitika Tower. Visit Lake Kaniere and Lake Mahinapua, take on the seven-hour trek to the peak of Mt Tuhua, find a glowworm dell and relax at the three-tiered Dorothy Falls and swimming hole.
RIGHT: Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism
If there has been heavy rainfall, the water might not be the startling blue you've seen in pictures. Sandflies like this area too, so pack repellent or wear full-length pants and long-sleeved tops.
FRANZ JOSEF & FOX GLACIERS
An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with birds high in the ancient rimu and kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long. Come and enjoy a leisurely 45-minute to one-hour stroll.
Just six kilometres from the centre of Franz Josef village lies one of the world's most accessible glaciers: Franz Josef. Not quite as steep, but equally mesmerising, Fox Glacier sits 28km to the south. Both glaciers present visitors with the opportunity to enjoy guided heli-hiking tours, as well as walking trails at ground level which lead to astonishing views of the glacial face.
Freephone: 0508 TREETOPS www.treetopsnz.com 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Rd, Hokitika RD 3 • 15 minutes south of Hokitika Email: bookings@treetopsnz.com
OFF
$5
Expires: Sep 2021
66
Conditions: This voucher entitles the bearer to $5 off the entry and all-day passes. Not valid with any other discount deals or special offers. (AA)
Guided tour on Franz Josef Glacier © Franz Josef Glacier Guides
