The Hokitika Gorge Walk is the ultimate natural attraction to enjoy when passing by the town of Hokitika. Gaze at the stunning turquoise water and enjoy the serenity of nature as you complete the simple loop of the forested trail.
It’s a hotspot for visitors completing the Arthur’s Pass or coming to and from the West Coast of New Zealand and for good reason!
I’ve written everything there is to know regarding a visit to the gorge including what you may be likely to experience. So, let’s dive in!
Where Is the Hokitika Gorge?
The Gorge is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Hokitika and it’s very easy to reach. For the most part, you will travel along one country road to reach the location, but you will also need to zig-zag your way through the countryside to reach the spot.
Nonetheless, the drive is incredibly scenic and it’s easy to make your way through the region. I would recommend downloading some offline maps in case you run out of service.
Type ‘Hokitika Gorge Parking’ into Google Maps to find the exact parking location. Moreover, there’s loads of space for at least 40-50 vehicles, so you should have no problem snagging a spot!
However, I’d imagine this spot to get pretty busy during the high season (Summer), so take that into consideration as this location may get busy!
Finally, there aren’t really any stops or points of interest along the way, so the gorge is the main attraction.
Address: Hokitika Gorge, Kokatahi 7881, New Zealand
Visitor Information
When visiting the Hokitika Gorge, I recommend completing the 2km loop around the gorge. Moreover, the walk is relatively easy to complete with well-formed dirt tracks, safe bridges and flat paths. It’s excellent for families or those looking for a simple walk.
Besides, it should only take around an hour to complete with stops to enjoy the views.
Distance: 2km loop trail
Difficulty: Easy
Toilets: Yes
Picnic Tables: Yes
Dogs: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Check out the signage along the way
How Is the Water So Blue?
The water gets its striking blue shade from a combination of glacial water and rock flour. As the water runs down the mountain, it slowly chips away at the lightly-coloured rock and makes the water appear a light turquoise blue.
However, the water can change colour drastically and this all has to do with the weather. During heavy downfall, the water may turn a shade of murky brown as debris and dirt are washed into the gorge.
So, when rain has held off for a while, it’s much more likely to be a strong and striking turquoise blue that we all know and love. This colour is definitely the reason so many tourists are attracted to this spot.
Nonetheless, in any shade, the river still looks incredible and it’s still a beautiful sight to see!
Is Hokitika Gorge Worth Visiting?
The Hokitika Gorge is definitely worth a visit! It’s lovely to enjoy a wander around the entire loop and there are plenty of beautiful lookouts to enjoy.
You will get to wander along forests, boardwalks and take in breathtaking views of the gorge from all angles. I’d recommend spending anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours enjoying this beautiful space.
A handful of the viewpoints along the gorge
The Experience
After parking your vehicle in the designated parking lot, head towards the signposts that offer information on the walk. Moreover, this is the perfect time to read up on the geology of the region and you might just learn a few new things regarding the significance of the area.
Once you’ve read up about the gorge, begin to follow the paths and you’ll shortly come upon the river. Be sure to wander over to each of the lookouts as they offer a different perspective over the gorge.
You will also cross a couple of suspension bridges along the way and get to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the forest. Take care when crossing the bridges and avoid stepping over the boundaries of the trail.
Finally, complete the entire loop, and then head back to your vehicle.
WARNING: Do NOT swim in the gorge; The water is fast-paced and many people have drowned here.
A few of the pathways along the way
Additional Activities near Hokitika Gorge
There are a handful of things you can check out while visiting the small town of Hokitika. Some of the places you may like to visit include:
- Glow Worm Dell
- Hokitika Beach Sign
- Shipwreck Memorial
- Sunset Point
- Hokitika River Bridge
- Cass Square
- Hokitika Golf Club
Be sure to stop by a few of these places when exploring the region. And, there are loads of great restaurants and cafe locations for you to enjoy a bite!
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Hokitika Gorge Walk is an excellent attraction for both locals and tourists. The stunning scenery is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air.
It’s definitely the best activity in the small town and a spot you can’t miss if you’re driving through the area. It is a little out of the way, but I strongly believe it’s worth a quick detour, even if the water is a little murky.
Finally, be sure to check out some of the other points of interest in the area as there are plenty of awesome things to do. Additionally, if you’d like to discover more about New Zealand, be sure to check out this section of my blog!
Read more:
9 Things to Do on Arthur’s Pass
Otira Viaduct Lookout
