Hokitika Gorge Walk
Located in Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve in the West Coast region
Introduction
Enjoy this short walk along the stunning Hokitika Gorge and the pristine mature podocarp forest of the Hokitika Scenic Reserve.From the car park, follow the walking track for a few minutes through dense podocarp/hardwood forest before emerging onto a viewing platform. From here you can look down to the stunning Hokitika Gorge and out to the lush farmland of Kowhitirangi. This part of the track is accessible for wheelchairs.
From the viewing platform, continue for another 6 minutes along the curving boardwalks and you will reach a swing bridge. From here there are excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge.
For good views further up the gorge, cross the swing bridge and when you come to the end of it turn left (straight ahead leads to private farmland). The track continues for another 200 m (10 minutes) through the bush, crossing a small bridge to a second viewing platform with looking out to the gorge upstream of the bridge. Access to a small beach is also available here. Be sure to take time to read the warning signs and close the gate after you.
To continue further up the gorge, return to the junction just before the platform and turn left. Curved boardwalks take you past small waterfalls with the blue-green river glimpsed through the trees. The track continues to wind through mature forest with river views. After 5 minutes of easy walking the track crosses Elf Creek, where from the bridge you can see how the water has sculptured the granite bedrock.
A curved gantry provides further river views and the impressive structure of the upper Hokitika Gorge suspension bridge looms in the distance with the mountain in the background.
After 200 metres of wandering track, the 90m suspension bridge crosses the main channel of the Hokitika Gorge, before entering the forest canopy of Miro, Rimu, and Kamahi as the bridge passes over an island and then a flood channel. The Bridge offers spectacular views of the Hokitika Gorge, mature forested surrounds and the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Following the bridge, it’s an easy undulating 30 min wander back to the carpark through mature nature forest. A viewpoint on the way overlooks the river and farmland land of the upper Hokitika Valley.
Times and distances (Carpark return via loop track)
- Wheelchair accessible viewing platform: 50 m , 4 minutes
- Lower Gorge Suspension Bridge: 470 m, 10 minutes
- Lower Gorge Viewing Platform: 650 m, 15 minutes
- Elf Creek Bridge: 840 m, 20 minutes
- Upper Gorge Suspension Bridge: 1.1 km , 30 minutes
- Hokitika Valley viewpoint: 1.3 km, 35 minutes
- Carpark: 2.0 km, 1 hour
Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve is 33 km east of Hokitika. Leave Hokitika's main road by turning inland onto Stafford St which become Kaniere Rd, then Kaniere-Kowhitirangi Rd. South of Kokatahi the road turns sharp left, then sharp right. Turn left into Johnston Rd, right into Nielson Rd, and left into Whitcombe Valley Rd.
Swimming and river warning
The Hokitika River despite its often calm appearance is swift, deep, cold, and dangerous in all weather and river conditions. There are sudden drop offs and strong currents.
Swimming is not advised. People have drowned here. Swimming here endangers your life and the lives of others in any rescue attempt. Don’t make a fatal mistake.
Staying away from the rock edges. The rocks are uneven and can be slippery. Take great care to avoid slipping and falling into the river.
Your safety and that of your family is your responsibility.
Contacts
| Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Postal Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Full office details | |
