Hokitika Gorge Walking Track: Complete Guide in New Zealand

When planning a South Island road trip, Hokitika Gorge is often one of those places people add to their list after seeing the unreal blue water online. But, you then start wondering how easy it actually is to visit.

As a first-time visitor, the biggest challenge is logistics. Without clear information, travellers worry about road conditions and signage to get there, whether the gorge is suitable for all fitness levels, and if it’s worth the detour from Hokitika.

Having visited Hokitika Gorge myself, I’ve put together this complete guide to help you plan with confidence. It covers exactly how to get there, and what the walking trail is like, so you can decide if Hokitika Gorge deserves a spot on your itinerary.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

Complete Guide to visiting Hokitika Gorge!

Tucked away inland from the West Coast, Hokitika Gorge is a natural glacier water attraction that looks just spectacular in photos. While it’s a hidden gem that isn’t on everyone list, I found it relatively easy to get to and loved the shortish walking trail.

When passing through the west coast of the South Island, it will take about 2 hours to via off the coastal road to head inland from the town of Hokitika and back. Therefore, if you can spare the time, it’s definitely worth stopping at Hokitika Gorge!

⏱️ Short on Time?

If you don’t have time to read the entire article, Here are the main details you need to know about Hokitika Gorge, the walking trail and information to get your started!

• It about 33 km or 40 minutes inland from Hokitika on New Zealand’s South Island West Coast
• The easy trail to get there is 650 m one way or 2 km return. (you’ll need about 2 hours including drive time)
• Bring insect repellent, as the sandflies are notably bad near the water’s edge
• No Public Transport available, but can be included on longer tours.
• Best to visit for vibrant water colour on Sunny days with minimal recent rain.
• No entry fees, ample free parking and clean toilets at the trailhead
• Stay in Hokitika overnight, or use it as a stop-off on your road trip north or south.
• Swimming is not recommended due to water currents

If this has you intrigued, then please read on for more detailed information.

How to get to the Hokitika Gorge?

The Hokitika Gorge Walking trail is located just outside of the small town of Hokitika, on the west cost of New Zealand’s south Island. To help guide you there, please use this Map Directory Link to apply directions from your location, or use the details below:

• Start from the town of Hokitika on Stafford Street.
• This changes into Kaniere Road.
• Then a slight right onto Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Road.
• You will come to a T Junction, where you will turn right and continue on Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Road.
• Go over a one-way bridge.
• Come to a 4-way road junction and turn left into Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Road.
• Drive another block to turn right into Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Road.
• 1 more block, you will turn left into Johnston Road.
• Next block, turn right into Nelson Road.
• One more block to via left into Whitcombe Valley Road.
• Then, follow this road until you get to the Hokitika Gorge Carpark.

Note: It would have found it easier to have data service and use your maps app on your phone. But you can suffice without it!

➡  Compare prices for Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.

Truthfully, I felt like I was being taken down a small goat track roads, and at times I wasn’t sure it was the right way.

However, ensure you look out for the small signposts that should lead you in the right direction from Hokitika. This is an absolute must-do when you’re driving down the west coast and adding to your list of things to do on New Zealand’s South Island.

Just so you know, this gorge was not on my list when I was first planning my NZ road trip. It wasn’t even on my radar, and I knew nothing of it!

However, after casually watching TV in Greymouth, I just had to get there! So, after 30 minutes of googling, I was there the next day, and the rest is history. 

Are there tours?

Yes, there is a small group tour that leaves from Greymouth and visits the Gorge and the Tree Top Canopy nearby.

➡  Compare Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.

Greymouth is only 1-hour drive away, so, it’s great to know there are options, especially if you don’t have your own vehicle. 

Walking Trail Details, Map & My Review?

If you’re looking for a short and sweet adventure, know that the Hokitika Gorge Walk is only 650 metres one way ( See Map HERE ).

You’ll encounter unique blue greywacke rock formations, crossing over a suspended bridge, and mesmerizing jade-green pools. 

You’ll start the Hokitika Gorge by walking through the podocarp/hardwood forest, and it takes about 20 minutes (one way) to walk. Although, please expect about 2 hours in total from the town of Hokitika.

The track has a slight down gradient on the way there, so prepare for the uphill climb on the way back.

However, the lookout points will break up the journey, and you can spend some time on the swing Bridge to admire the rushing water underneath you. 

To get to the edge of the water, cross the swing bridge, and when you come to an end, turn left (private farmland going straight).

The track continues for another 200m through the bush to another viewing platform and a small beach, which looks upstream at the gorge. 

It’s a very short walk and easy enough for all fitness levels. Hiking boots would not be required either, but closed-in shoes are always safer (especially in the cold).

All in all, there’s an incredible experience waiting to be overwhelmed at Hokitika Gorge Walk. Although, I found many Sand flies biting me at the water’s edge, so it might be handy to take repellent.

If you’d like to explore further, return to the fork in the road before the viewing platform and turn left. There will be more viewpoints of relaxing river panoramas along wooden boardwalks until you reach a 90-metre-long suspension bridge.

After crossing, follow the easy path that loops back around to where you started.

Can you swim there?

Swimming in Hokitika Gorge may be possible, and plenty of people do it, but it’s certainly NOT recommended. The ravine is definitely inviting, with its turquoise waters and ethereal glow.

But, many people need to learn that the sheer size of this colossal swimming hole is also dangerous. 

Swimming here can quickly become uncontrollable with the current, hidden rocks, as well as the freezing cold temperatures. So, while swimming could make for some magnificent photo opportunities or views, it’s best to take precautions and enjoy the scene from the Bridge or the water’s edge.

Best time to visit? 

Different times of day offer various advantages, so there is not really a best time to visit to Hokitika Gorge. For example, early morning or late afternoon provides the best light and minimal crowds. However, the water appears bluest in the middle of the day, with the sun casting light over it. 

As for the best time of year – Then, this can be at any time. Although, after rain is undoubtedly defined as the worst time to visit, when the water looks grey and murky.

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Is it free to visit?

Yes, it is Free to visit Hokitika Gorge! Although trying to get there might result in a small charge. This includes any Car Hire or joining an organised tour. 

From what I know, there are minimal choices when visiting this gorge, and driving your own car might be the most manageable and flexible. Unfortunately, there are no public transport options. 

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Remember to bring your camera, as there will be many opportunities to take some impressive photos that can help you relive your experience time and time again.

Are there bathrooms?

Yes, there are public bathrooms at the gorge car park for you to use. Although it might be handy to bring your own toilet paper, just in case.

Why is the water so blue?

The jaw-dropping blue colour of the water found at Hokitika Gorge is a natural phenomenon. It’s glacier-fed, and the glacier grinds up small bits of rock into tiny sediment particles called ‘rock flour.’ 

This is where the magic happens! The glacier particles cause the water to reflect more sunlight, giving it an incredible sapphire hue.

My Best Tips for Visiting?

• Visit in the middle of the day for the best colours.
• Early morning and late afternoon will have fewer crowds.
• Take insect repellent, as the sandflies can get pretty bad near the water.
• Using a Polarising filter on your camera comes in handy for less glare and getting the best photos!

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the first section of the walking trail is wheelchair accessible. This is not the entire walk, but you will see some extraordinary scenes, and well worth it. 

History Information!

Hokitika Gorge has been described as the “Fairy Land of Hokitika” and recent upgrades have made it a world-class tourist destination.

The Hokitika River is about 64 kilometres long, beginning in the Southern Alps. It emerges from the Whitcombe River into the Gorge and eventually flows into the Tasman Sea. 

The River, and its eastern tributary, the Kokatahi River, have formed the Kowhitirangi-Kokatahi alluvial plain. This is a fertile and productive land extensively used for dairy farming. 

The entrance was once used as a harbour during the West Coast Gold Rush. However, the sand bar at the river mouth created a treacherous and often fatal obstacle, resulting in many shipwrecks.

After the gold rush subsided, the use of the river as a harbour declined and is no longer used.

In 1900, Hokitika Gorge was the site of New Zealand’s first moose release. Fourteen moose calves were brought from Canada, but only four survived the journey. They were released in the gorge, but there is no evidence they ever bred.

Where to Stay?

If you’re looking for a small-town getaway, then look no further than staying at the charming place Hokitika. This is on the West Coast of New Zealand has surprisingly several options for places to stay, but that’s part of what makes it so appealing. 

Whether you stay in the small bed and breakfast inns or historic and unique lodges, each place will provide you with a unique and magical experience.

However, you can always visit the nearby city of Greymouth for a more extensive array of lodging options for your small-town retreat.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on my Complete guide to visiting Hokitika Gorge on the South Island of New Zealand. I hope you found the information you were looking for, but if your still researching, please see my other New Zealand Blog Articles for inspiration.

• Find the Blue Pools, South Island of New Zealand
• Best things to do in Queenstown that are worth visiting?
• Do you need a car in Queenstown?
• 3 Day Queenstown Itinerary in New Zealand
• Clay Cliffs in Omarama, on the South Island of New Zealand
• Hiking the Hooker Valley walking Track?
• Tasman Lake River walk & Glacier Viewing in Mount Cook National Park
• Find the Fox Glacier Glow Worms on the Minnehaha Walk
• Review: Is Hanmer Springs Hot Pools Worth Visiting?