The Hokitika Gorge Walk – Best of the West Coast

When it comes to the bluest water in New Zealand, the Hokitika Gorge walk is by far one of the top ranked spots and is an absolute favourite of mine. This fairytale like location is only a 40 minute drive from Hokitika and is a must visit when exploring the West Coast of New Zealand.

The Hokitika Gorge walk is an easy track that winds through the stunning native bush and into down the gorge, where you are treated to unforgettable views of the bright turquoise water and tree lined rock walls.

Being such an incredible place, the Hokitika Gorge walk is becoming more and more popular with many people visiting each day. While the walk is short, it is always helpful to be prepared, to ensure you can get the most out of your experience.

What is the Hokitika Gorge Walk like?

Sparkling blue water, fun swing bridges and more great photo spots than you can count, the Hokitika Gorge walk is an easy and accessible walk that caters to almost everyone.

Having only been upgraded recently, the Hokitika Gorge walk has evolved over the years and has now been changed from a one way track, to a beautiful loop track starting and ending in the main carpark.

The walk begins by taking you through some native bush. There are a couple of pretty lookout points along this part of the track looking out to the first swingbridge.

Continuing along the walk you will cross a swing bridge and leads you to the main lookout point with views up the gorge. From here you can enjoy the views from the wooden platform or make your way down to the rocks where are the best photo spots are.

Make sure to look back down towards the swing bridge for some epic views of the gorge from a different angle.

Continuing along the track you will head back up to the top of the gorge and follow the water until the next swing bridge. From here you say goodbye to the blue waters and head back to the carpark through the bush.

How long is the Hokitika Gorge Walk?

The Hokitika Gorge Walk is an easy 2 kilometre track with a walk time of around 45 minutes . This will give enough time to stop at the best locations and take a few photos.

If you want to really make the most of the area and chill out for a bit then more time will be needed to really take in the surroundings.

If time is limited, the main view point is only about 10 to 15 minutes into the walk so there is also the option of turning around here rather than continuing on the loop.

How hard is the Hokitika Gorge walk?

Not only is the track on the Hokitika Gorge walk not too long, but it is also mostly flat and very well maintained.

Only gaining around 40 metres of height throughout the whole track, this walk is family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

There are two swing bridges that connect each side of the gorge. These are in great condition and do not have much of a swing to them. They do sit about 10 meters above the river in the gorge so be cautious if someone in your group is afraid of heights.

Is the Hokitika Gorge Walk WHeelchair Accessible?

There is a wheelchair/pram accessible viewing platform about 150 metres up the track. From this point you can see down into the gorge and get views over the first swing bridge.

Unfortunately wheelchairs and prams are not able to go right down into the gorge.

The Facilities

As the area has recently been upgraded, the facilities available at the start of the Hokitika Gorge walk are of a high standard and well maintained.

Flushing toilets can be found right by the entrance to the walk. Because the walk is so short, there are no other toilets at any point on the track.

There is also a grassy areas with picnic tables scattered around at the entrance to the for visitors to enjoy.

There are no rubbish bins here so please take all your rubbish with you and leave the area in the same or better condition than you found it. Keep the Tiaki Promise in mind when visiting this area.

How to get to the Hokitika Gorge Walk starting point

The Hokitika Gorge walk is located a 30 minute drive from Hokitika. As the gorge is a slightly longer drive from Hokitika you will need access to personal mode of transport to get here.

Following google maps is the best way to get here as there are quite a few turns.

Going along this road feels like you are just being taken into the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by farmland with the backdrop of the mountains you will eventually find yourself pulling up to the Hokitika Gorge walk carpark.

If you do not have access to a car, unfortunately there is no public transport out to the Hokitika Gorge.

Is the Hokitika Gorge walk worth visiting?

While the Hokitika Gorge walk is a little bit out of the way, the stunning scenery makes the 1 hour return drive here worth it. There are not many other places in New Zealand you will see water this shade of blue.

Photo Spots

There are many amazing photo spots along the Hokitika Gorge walk. You can get epic photos of the water, the swing bridges, the mountains and of course the gorge itself.

The best photo spot is of course from the main viewing point 15 minutes into the walk. From here is where the best photos can be taken looking up the gorge. Walk down the stairs and up onto the rocks for the best photo opportunities.

Photos on the swing bridges are also a popular choice. Get it on the right angle and the blue colour in the water below really stands out in contrast of the bridge and surrounding bush.

Note: The bridges are small so do not block the bridge to take photos when other people are waiting to cross.

Blue water of the Hokitika Gorge

The gorgeous turquoise blue colour of the Hokitika Gorge is the main reason visitors come to do the walk and explore the area.

One of the best parts about this awesome water is that its colour can be slightly different on any day. On clear days the sunshine really brings out the green hues of the water. On cloudier days the water can look a slightly paler blue colour.

So why is the water in the Hokitika Gorge so blue? The awesome colour is created by the combination of the glacier fed water and ‘rock flour’. Rock flour is tiny grains of silt sized pulverised rock. When light hits these particles, it absorbs and reflects it to create the turquoise colour you see in the gorge.

Be warned: The Hokitika Gorge will not always be a shade of blue. After heavy rain the water will turn grey due to excess sediment being washed into the water.

Is it safe for swimming?

Unfortunately there are no good swim spots along the walk as the Hokitika Gorge is not safe for swimming.

The water may look inviting especially on a hot day, however strong currents, cold water and hidden dangers in the gorge make swimming here not safe.

Best time to do the Hokitika Gorge walk

The Hokitika Gorge walk is open year round and can be done in all weather conditions. While the walk is doable regardless of the weather, timing your visit around rainfall and sunlight hours is recommended.

Visiting the gorge first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon will help avoid the crowds that can gather. As the Hokitika Gorge walk is extremely popular, it does get very busy in the middle of the day.

However, visiting in the middle of the day when the sun is shining directly over the gorge, is when the water is at its most colourful. This time of day is best for photos where the blue in the water pops out.

Visiting the Gorge after heavy rain

When the area gets excessive amounts of rain the water in the gorge loses its colour and goes grey. It is important to remember this when planning your walk in the Hokitika Gorge.

Important things to know

Footwear

As the Hokitika Gorge Walk is a quick and easy walk, hiking gear is not needed on the track.

Covered footwear is recommended if you are wanting to climb onto the rocks, however, any shoes that are comfortable for walking short distances will be fine for the rest of the walk.

Sandflies on the Hokitika Gorge Walk

If you have spent much time on the West Coast of New Zealand you will know already know how bad the sandflies are in the area. The Hokitika Gorge walk is no exception.

Make sure to use plenty of insect repellent before starting the walk and bring extra with you just in case. The worst spot is around the rocks at the main lookout point.

Are Dogs allowed?

Dogs are not allowed on the Hokitika Gorge walk. Please leave your furry friends at home. DOC rangers do monitor the area and you will be told to leave.

Add the Hokitika Gorge Walk to your list

Now that you know everything about the Hokitika Gorge walk its time to start planning your trip. Blue water, stunning scenery and peaceful nature awaits.

Your next trip to the West Coast would not be complete without a walk through the Hokitika Gorge.