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One of the highlights of a visit to the West Coast of the South Island is this short walk through the Hokitika Gorge. Following a section of the Hokitika River, the track features the stunning colors of the glacier fed waters, surrounded by interesting granite rock formations and native forest.
Getting There
The track is a 45 minute drive inland from the township of Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island.
Follow the sign at the intersection in the middle of town; Hokitika is a small place so you won't have any trouble finding it.
From there the road passes through a large flat plain, dramatically surrounded on three sides by forest-clad mountains. All but the last few hundred meters of the road are sealed.
The Hokitika Gorge Walk
The track is very well formed and mostly easy in contour. From the carpark the track follows the river bank, through mature podocarp-hardwood native forest. Just four minutes along is a swing bridge, giving views of the stunning river below. This is one of the most picturesque stretches of readily accessible river on the West Coast.
At the end of the walking track is a gate leading to the rocky riverbank. This is the only part of the walk that is not along a formed track and could be difficult for some walkers. There are great views of the river in both directions from here.
Then entire walk will take you less than twenty minutes return, with no steep sections. Despite its short length, it is well making the detour from Hokitika if traveling in this part of the West Coast.
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