Very early on a Sunday morning I drove the 33 kilometres from Hokitika, on the west coast of the South Island, to the tiny settlement of Kokotahi and then on to the sublime Hokitika Gorge. This wasn't the first time I had visited the gorge and I hope it won't be my last since it is one of my favourite places in New Zealand. There wasn't a soul around so I had the whole gorge to myself. It was absolute bliss.
immersed in lush native bush, ferns, rimu and podocarps. What joy to breathe in the fresh, ferny, earthy air. A few minutes walk along an easy, and wheel chair accessible, path I came to the first viewing platform which offers spectacular views of the famous turquoise water flowing through the gorge. This beautiful, unusual colour is the result of glaciers in the nearby mountain range grinding rocks to a fine powder which when combined with the water gives it a milky effect. On every occasion I have visited the gorge the water has been this sublime colour but be aware that in some weather conditions it is not so vibrantly turquoise.
The superbly maintained 2 kilometre long track winds along the sides of the river between granite walls and heavenly native bush. As this is New Zealand there is no dangerous wild life to fear. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the view and two swing bridges to cross the river....fun if you are not nervous about the swaying and the height of the second one! Fortunately I'm not and as I was alone on the track I could spend plenty of time on the bridges suspended over the water, absorbing the view.
The walk could be done in half an hour if walked steadily, but why not pause and enjoy? Recommendation is to take at least 45 minutes. I spent an hour and a half there because I love the place and didn't want to leave.
I believe the track can be crowded and busy during peak tourist season but by getting up very early I had it all to myself and saw only another couple of people arrive as I was leaving. Magic!
NOTE: Sand flies can be prolific here so take your bug spray
There are toilets in the car park
There is no charge to enter the gorge and walk the track
Do it! It is stunning and you will be blown away
