- Easy boardwalk track to the famous blue green water of Hokitika Gorge
- Two suspension bridges and two viewing platforms on the full loop
- 33 km drive from Hokitika township, allow about an hour each way
Quick facts
| Location | Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, West Coast, South Island |
| Distance | 2 km |
| Time needed | 45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Very easy |
| Route | Loop, via both suspension bridges |
| Elevation gain | 73 m |
| Wheelchair access | Only as far as the first viewing platform, 150 m one way |
| Wet feet | No |
| Toilets | Yes, including an accessible toilet at the car park, no drinking water |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Mobile coverage | No, coverage drops out beyond the car park |
Getting there
Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve is 33 km east of Hokitika town, about an hour’s drive. Leave Hokitika’s main road by turning inland onto Stafford Street, which becomes Kaniere Road, then Kaniere Kowhitirangi Road. South of Kokatahi the road turns sharp left, then sharp right. Turn left into Johnston Road, right into Nielson Road, and left into Whitcombe Valley Road. The drive itself is part of the day out, it runs through the Kowhitirangi dairy farms with the Southern Alps in view.
There is plenty of room at the car park for cars and larger motorhomes. The car park gets very busy over the summer season from November to April, so get there early if you want an easy park.
The walk
From the car park, follow the track for a few minutes through West Coast bush before coming onto a viewing platform. From here you look down into the Hokitika Gorge and out over lush farmland. This first section is wide and flat, and it’s the part you can take a wheelchair on.
From the viewing platform it’s another 6 minutes along wide boardwalks to the first swing bridge. Stop here for a while, this is where the blue green water of the Hokitika River really shows itself.
Crossing the swing bridge, turn left. After around 200 m, roughly 10 minutes of easy walking through the bush, you cross a small bridge and arrive at a second viewing platform, with views looking upstream of the gorge. There is a small beach nearby worth a look, just close the gate behind you.
Back at the junction just before that platform, turn left to keep heading further up the gorge. There are waterfalls along this stretch of boardwalk, with the river visible through the trees. After about 5 minutes the track crosses Elf Creek, where the water has carved into the granite bedrock. Another 200 m on, you reach the 90 metre suspension bridge across the main channel of the Hokitika Gorge. This bridge was replaced and reopened in 2025, restoring the full loop walk after works. Stop halfway across for the best views of the gorge, with mature bush and the Alps behind.
After the bridge, an easy 30 minute walk through a nice bit of forest brings you back to the car park, with more good views over the river on the way.
What you’ll see
The colour of the Hokitika River is the reason people come. It runs blue green through the gorge, fed by glacial silt from up in the Alps. Along the way there’s dense West Coast bush, two viewing platforms, waterfalls off the boardwalk near Elf Creek, and two suspension bridges. On a clear day you get the mountains behind the gorge as a backdrop.
Who it’s for
Anyone. It’s an easy, flat to gently graded track suitable for most fitness levels, families included. Wheelchair users can get as far as the first viewing platform, 150 m from the car park, but the rest of the loop involves boardwalks, bridges and a few steps that aren’t accessible. It’s not a walk for swimmers, the river is not safe to get into at any point.
When to go
Any time of year, the track is open year round. The car park is at its busiest over summer, from November to April, so mornings are your best bet for parking and for having the platforms to yourself. Bring insect repellent, sandflies can be fierce here.
Important stuff
- Dogs are not permitted anywhere on the Hokitika Gorge Walk.
- The Hokitika River is swift, cold and dangerous in all conditions, people have drowned here, swimming is not a good idea at any time of year.
- Mobile phone coverage drops out beyond the car park, so let someone know your plans before you head off.
- Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are at the car park, but there is no drinking water, bring your own.
- Flying a drone here without a permit is not allowed. You do not need to book to do this walk.
My honest take
We loved this one. The first thing we noticed was the amazing blue green colour of the Hokitika River and the swing bridge. The track quality is excellent, honestly one of the best I’ve walked in a long time, and I have to take my hat off to whoever cut it, well done. It’s a gradual walk down to the swing bridge, and every bend after that gives you another angle on that ridiculous water colour. We stopped a lot just to look at it. The drive out through the Kowhitirangi dairy farm is a nice bonus too, it’s a proper West Coast outing before you even get out of the truck.
Common questions
How long is the Hokitika Gorge walk?
Allow about 45 minutes for the main loop, longer if you stop often for photos, which you will.
How far is Hokitika Gorge from Hokitika?
It’s 33 km from Hokitika town, about an hour’s drive each way.
Can you take dogs to Hokitika Gorge?
No, dogs are not permitted on this walk.
Do I need to book?
No, bookings are not required, you can just turn up.
Can I fly a drone at Hokitika Gorge?
No, not without a permit. Drone use is prohibited otherwise.
Is there mobile coverage?
No, coverage drops out once you’re beyond the car park.
Other walks nearby
Back to Hokitika Walks.
