🇳🇿 New Zealand's Bluest Gorge: Hokitika Gorge Travel Guide 💎

I almost missed this unreal turquoise wonder—thankfully, my wife insisted! Here’s why it’s a must-see on your South Island trip: 📍 Location & Transport 🚗 34km southeast of Hokitika (~30min drive) ⏱ Allow 2+ hours: 1hr+ round-trip drive (narrow roads) 1hr loop walk (but skip part of it—see tips below!) 💙 Why so blue? Alpine meltwater + deep gorge = Tiffany-blue magic (even bluer than Blue Pool!). ⚠️ Key Tips 1️⃣ Hike smart: After crossing the 2nd swing bridge, turn back—the rest is just forest with no views. 2️⃣ No swimming! Currents surge dangerously if rain falls upstream ☠️ (despite locals tempting fate). 3️⃣ Sandfly alert! Bring repellent (save some for Milford Sound’s vicious bugs 🦟). 📸 Photo Ops First swing bridge over the electric-blue river Viewpoints along the cliff edges #NZMustSee #HokitikaGorge #SouthIsland #HiddenGems #TravelNZ