A Photographer’s Dream

Brilliant turquoise water framed by stark white limestone cliffs and lush green rainforest makes Hokitika Gorge a photographer’s paradise. Combine that with easy accessibility, thrilling suspension bridges, and a pristine podocarp forest, and you’ve got one of the most breathtaking walks on New Zealand’s South Island.

Every turn of the track feels like it’s been lifted straight from a postcard — the perfect blend of wild nature and easy adventure.

Getting There

Located just 30 minutes inland from Hokitika, the gorge is an easy and scenic drive through rolling farmland, with the snow-capped Southern Alps rising dramatically in the distance.

The 2-kilometre loop track takes around 60 minutes at a relaxed pace — though if you’re anything like us, you’ll stop often for photos. With a well-formed gravel path, two suspension bridges, and a series of sturdy boardwalks, the hike is suitable for most fitness levels and even wheelchair accessible in parts.

Into the Rainforest

The trail begins at the car park and winds through dense, mossy forest before emerging at the first lookout — a perfect place to pause and take in your first glimpse of that unreal turquoise water.

A little further along, the first suspension bridge offers breathtaking views both up and down the Hokitika River. The milky-blue hue comes from fine rock sediments, or “glacial flour,” carried downstream from the glaciers high in the Alps.

Crossing the bridge, you’re enveloped by rainforest — ferns and moss dripping with moisture, waterfalls tumbling down the hillsides, and birds calling overhead. At times, the boardwalk hugs the rock face so closely that you can reach out and touch the damp stone.

The Best Viewpoint

Halfway between the two bridges, a short flight of stairs leads down to the river’s edge. This is where you’ll find the best views of the gorge — crystal-clear water rushing past sculpted white boulders, framed by thick green bush. Just be careful on the rocks, as they can be slippery!

Unfortunately, the lower bridge was closed for maintenance during our visit, so we returned the same way we came. Still, we took the short walk from the car park to that bridge to see what the anti-clockwise route would have offered — equally beautiful, just a slightly different perspective.

Unexpected Encounters

One of the highlights of the day wasn’t just the scenery, but the people we met along the way. Among them was an elderly couple, each carrying a teddy bear in a papoose on their chest. They explained they’d brought their bears on all their travels around the world — a quirky, heartwarming tradition that made us smile and reminded us how everyone experiences travel in their own unique way.

Reflections

Hokitika Gorge is more than just a quick stop — it’s an experience that captures the essence of New Zealand’s wild West Coast: rugged, lush, and impossibly beautiful. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking for an easy walk with world-class views, this short hike delivers in every way.

If you’re planning a West Coast road trip, don’t miss it — and bring your camera, because you’ll want to remember every shade of blue.