Hokitika Gorge Walk

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Hokitika Gorge Walk
4.7
About
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.

The area

Address
Whitcombe Valley Road, Hokitika 7881 New Zealand
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • BobSki-UK
    Claygate, United Kingdom873 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When my Hokitika B&B’s owner suggested I could “go to the beach” for a nice walk, I wasn’t inspired. So, after a quick Google search, I found that Hokitika Gorge was only a 25 minute drive away - all the pictures looked divine. So off I set. I quickly found the car park and followed the well signposted paths. Sadly, the swing nearest bridge was out of commission so rather than walking the loop, as planned, I had to walk three quarters of the way round and then back again. But it was well worth it. It was pretty late in the day when I got there (around 5:30pm) but I still got to enjoy the incredible colours.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled solo
    Written February 9, 2025
  • Jia Ling
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have read that these waters have various colors of blues, but u have to see it to believe it! Aside from the suspension bridge and viewing deck, I highly recommend to go down to the rocks where u can take nicer photos. Do take note that there are a lot of sand flies, so pls use an insect repellant, and wear clothing to cover your body, especially the ankles and arms.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 22, 2024
  • weluv2travelSydney
    77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Hokitika Gorge Walk (bridge walk) is a short (30 min return) easy walk, suitable for all ages that took us through lush native bush to an amazing suspension swing bridge where we were greeted with the stunning turquoise water of Hokitika Gorge. The walk was well signposted, and the track was well maintained, making it an easy trek for our kids. The swing bridge added an element of fun and adventure for them. The highlight of the walk was the breathtaking view of the gorge. The vibrant turquoise water was a sight to behold. In conclusion, the Hokitika Gorge Walk is a must-visit for families. It offers an easy, enjoyable walk and a rewarding view that leaves a lasting impression. We left with beautiful memories and a bunch of stunning photos!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 14, 2024
  • KBofLB
    Littleborough, United Kingdom583 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a pleasant half hour drive from Hokitika to this site. It is a ten minute walk from the car park to the suspension bridge which marks the start of the viewing areas. Some areas are unfortunately inaccessible at present. The turquoise waters are impressive as they pass through the gorge. The only downside is that sandflies are a nuisance.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written December 19, 2024
  • R U Going
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Read this was a good walk and it didn’t disappoint. The walk is great through some beautiful rainforest areas but the jewel is the string of beautiful blue gorge rock pools at the end. The trail used to be a loop but one bridge was closed and have to return via same path in. That’s fine as get a double whammy of spectacular views. One of the best walks of our 10-day NZ holiday.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 19, 2024
  • chuckrdickey
    Whakatāne, New Zealand17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    To say this place is Wheelchair friendly is absolutely nuts There is no way that a person over about 15 Kgs could be man handled along the track, thick gravel and many hills. Pretty long way too.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written November 26, 2024
  • Anita S
    Queensland, Australia195 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped in here on our way up the west coast with family and friends. Fantastic walk to the most amazing blue water you will see! Stunning! Great photo opportunities everywhere. Beware of the infamous midges - they were just as bitey here as everywhere else!
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 6, 2025
  • Morten_Hygum
    Skive, Denmark166 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First: Wear long clothes as the local flies bite. But otherwise a nice walk, where we saw many animals and plants. We were there early, but there were already many cars in the parking lot. A cozy little walk of two km to the bridge and back.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 24, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.7
4.7 of 5 bubbles1,584 reviews
Excellent
1,219
Very good
315
Average
43
Poor
7
Terrible
0

AJ
San Francisco, CA332 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Beautiful. Just lovely. We went in mid November. At this time one of the swing bridges was closed so you could not do the loop. Still a lovely walk to the main view and through the area. We went after some rainy days and on a cloudy morning and the water was still an incredible blue color. Maybe not as vibrant as usual, but fantastic. Would highly recommend this short walk and taking a moment to enjoy the views along the way. Bring/wear some sandfly repellent here.
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Moons
Wellington, New Zealand16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
This is an amazing walk in native bush seeing beautiful glacier waters through the Hokitika Gorge. The drive to the start of the track is well sealed, there are also bathrooms located at the car park. The walk is an easy well maintained track suitable for most ages. The walk takes about 45mins to an hour. We would recommend this walk to everyone visiting the area and the best thing is that it is free, enjoy!!
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

whitey7
surrey229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Visited Oct 2023.
This has to be one of the highlights of our 3 week tour of both North and south Islands.
It is a truly amazing spectacle that blew our minds. It is very worth while going right down to the "beach" (which is actually low level rocks at water level) as the phot opportunities are incredible.
We visited on a lovely sunny day So can only comment on the water colour in those conditions but, the vivid blue is like the Azure Sea in Greece. It is truly amazing.
The walk used to be a round trip, over one swing bridge and along then over a second. However, I believe safety concerns with the older second bridge have forced its closure so it's now a return walk but this doesn't in any way detract from the experience.
Believe the photos........ It really is that stunning.
And??? It's completely free. To both park and do the walk. If this was in the UK you'd be ripped off for £15 parking then a ridiculous entry free. Well done NZ and the team that keep this Gorge for keeping it as great as it is and free to visit.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul B
Brisbane Region, Australia82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
Getting here requires a scenic but reasonably long drive out of Hokitika, but it is well worth it. Plenty of parking and there are toilets at the car park. It's an easy walk to the first lookout then a bit steeper down to the suspension bridge, but the path is good. There are several more lookout spots on the way to/past the river itself. Absolutely stunning views of milky blue glacial water. Lots of people were swimming at the main waterhole, but care is needed.
Written January 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve W
Nelson, New Zealand932 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
The short walk has been extended to a 2 km loop walk. The track is well graded and easy passing over two bridges which are in theory swing bridges but which are big and stable. The river is a lovely colour even on a drizzly day. We will come back one time in lots of rain when the river is in flood.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

guennie3
Cambridge, UK526 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
We did this on a dull and rainy day but the colours were still spectacular. Don’t stop at the viewing platform-do the walk. We thought it was amazing when we reached the suspension bridge but it just got better and better. It used to be a loop but now ends at the waters edge. It really isn’t a long walk and is easy to do. Absolutely recommend this.
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ed R
Blenheim, New Zealand706 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
Half an hour inland from Hokitika, this is well worth the effort, even you have been on other similar walks in NZ.
Easy track for all abilities with a lovely range of native trees to admire. Great views from the bridge.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda B
Christchurch, New Zealand10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Another free Hokitika attraction. A big credit to everyone on track maintenance! The easy loop track is well worth the effort - we did it in 40 mins but if it hadn't been for the rain, we would have taken a much more leisurely stroll. The suspension bridges are awesome and the scenery - vegetation and water views are stunning!
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

silverthreads101
Palmerston North, New Zealand376 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
What an amazing piece of nature! This is something you should do while in Hokitika. While we did not do the full loop circuit- as one of us does not do swing bridges-this is a great activity. Yes it is a 30 minute drive from Hokitika through dairy country out to the foothills but it is well worth it. A clearly marked large car park with newly built and well maintained flush toilets was appreciated. There is an interpretative board at the start of the clearly marked walk. The first viewing platform is wheelchair accessible and offers great views down to the gorge and the first swing bridge. The swing bridge does have a limit on it and this was adhered to by those we passed. There is a rocky outcrop beyond the bridge with good views back onto the bridge and also further up the gorge. However be cautious if you go down to the rocks as the rocks are perpetually wet and very slippery. A local also advised that going on to the rocks invites mosquito bites any time of the year. Even though there had been a lot of rain the water still had the typical glacial blue colour as it ran through the gorge. The native forest there is also really majestic and almost primordial.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John
Lower Hutt, New Zealand501 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
30kms from Hokitika it is well-worth the drive. This loop walk takes about 40 - 50 minutes and encompasses a couple of spectacular swing bridges as well as viewing platforms. The views of the river are spectacular with the water a brilliant shade of blue in parts. The walk is through Beech and Rimu forest with heaps of other varieties too and endless fern varieties. A reasonable gradient means it is accessible even for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 1,466
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Hokitika Gorge Walk (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

All things to do in Hokitika
Things to do near Hokitika Gorge Walk
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars