Hokitika Gorge — Attraction in South Island

WELL WORTH THE TRIP ABSOLUTELY STUNNING BEST SEEN ON A SUNNY DAY WE WERE BLESSED WITH THE BEST WEATHER FOR OUT WALK.

keep an eye out and ear out for our native birds and stroll without chatter take it all in and enjoy the birds talking my daughter was on my back and said I can't see any pīwakawaka (fantail) she was sad as its one of her favourite birds I said to her be quiet settle and rest on mumma and call for them they will here you. 1 minute later as we continued our walk 2 pīwakawaka came fluttering around and chatting and I told her see if you lower your voice and remind them your here to visit them not harm them they will come see you. 😘 I love my country and hope everyone can treat it with the respect it deserves also if you spot any rubbish along the track remember to jyst pick it up and chuck it in your pocket and when you find your nearest bin pop it in there. Take care of the environment. Please please please stay on the track and keep an eye on your children hold their hands carry them or as anti as I am with harnesses even the greatest of parents do not always have control of our children and they do not have their frontal cortex developed to understand the risk and consequence this is New Zealand native flora fauna and wild undisturbed nature there is risk of slips and rockfall and landslides following heavy rains and other such. It is so crucially important read read read all the signs and stay on the track my oldest daughter 13 slipped on the edge of the track "self -inflicted" as she was walking in the edge of the track but that was terrifying this is an older child who "we expect to know better" whatever you do never assume and always talk these walks through with your children and all the way through remind them and don't become complacent. This is new zealand after all a slight bump in the night could disturb land we are unaware of until someone takes a slip. But the gorge is one of the most beautiful tracks I've ever walked in my life. Its well worth the walk also if your a biker you can do a longer track of 3-4days on...

Hokitika Gorge would be one of the most underrated sites on the South Island. The Gorge is a stunning glacial blue, and easily seen from a 45 minute loop track that crosses 2 spectacular suspension bridges in a lovely loop back to the car park. The Gorge is about half an hour’s drive from Hokitika, though if continuing on to the glaciers there’s a diversion that cuts out a section of the highway and some of the drive. There’s a decent sized carpark, and pit toilets at the trail head, which begins just to the right of the toilets. The track begins with a short down hill walk to the first suspension bridge, with great views most of the way, and some nice patches of rainforest. You can swim here at the beach, and then head back, or, follow the loop back to the car park over a 2nd bridge recently opened. Ignore the guidebooks – this is now a very easy 45 minute walk on a simple loop, and the views at the 2nd bridge are every bit as good as the first. After the 2nd bridge the track leaves the Gorge and winds back through the rainforest to the other end of the car park. This is an easy loop walk most people can manage, and the views are sensational, much, much better, bluer, and more spectacular than those at the more famous Haast...

A must-see spot if you are in the area. It's about a 30-minute drive from Hokitika Town Centre. Lots of parking is available; spaces are long enough for most campervans, with toilets located nearby prior to commencing the walk. At the time, the full loop was closed, but the gorge itself was still accessible via one of the walking tracks, which was fairly easy. The total time needed there and back was about 1 hour, including a few stops for photos and dodging other tourists. The bridge can get quite busy, and you'll need to cross it to get to the blue waters of the gorge. Yes, it does sway when a lot of people are on it. That might be a turning point for some, so keep that in mind beforehand. The end result is just stunning blue water as you can see in the photos posted across reviews. There are lots of signs about the dangers of accessing the water, so keep that in mind if you bring kids along. Overall, it can get pretty busy if you leave it for after lunch, as we saw on our way out, so morning would be the best option...