Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast is arguably one of the top 10 Instagram attractions in New Zealand. It is about a 30-minute back-road drive from Hokitika, via Kaniere, Kokatahi, and Kowhitirangi, to the Gorge parking area. The parking area is relatively big, reflecting how busy the walk can be, but we avoided the crowds by going when it was raining.
The walk is a 2 km loop and takes about an hour to complete. It is exceedingly pretty, even by NZ standards. In the right conditions, the Hokitika River within the gorge is a stunning aqua blue, reflecting the suspension of minerals within the water and their interaction with the light. A similar effect can be seen at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki. and the Arawhata River near Jackson Bay Okahu.
There are also two swingbridges, and much of the rest of the walk is through native rainforest. For the shortest route to the gorge and main viewpoints, take the track access to the right of the car park.
