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.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 30min return; 650m each way

FITNESS: Basic fitness required

TERRAIN: Easy tramping track. Boardwalks, and bush tracks are well maintained.

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.

Know before you go

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.

Discover Hokitika town

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.

Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels