West Coast
Hokitika Gorge
A magnificent river gorge renowned for its vivid, opaque turquoise water flowing through a granite canyon surrounded by native bush.
About this place
The striking blue-green colour of the Hokitika River is created by 'rock flour', which is finely ground glacial silt suspended in the water. This silt refracts light in a way that produces the milky, vibrant hue, creating a stark and beautiful contrast with the dark green of the surrounding forest.
A short walking track leads you through lush podocarp forest to a swing bridge and several viewing platforms. These offer superb vantage points over the gorge, providing fantastic opportunities to appreciate and photograph the surreal water colour.
Fitting it into your itinerary
Allow 1-2 hours for Hokitika Gorge, plus drive time from wherever you spend the night before. Distances in West Coast look short on a map, but winding roads, roadworks and campervan speeds stretch them, so build this stop around an unhurried day rather than squeezing it between long drives. Best time to go: The colour is most vivid on a sunny day following a period of dry weather. Check road conditions and seasonal ferry timetables before you lock in dates. It suits travellers who want to slow down and see West Coast properly rather than tick it off. Send your plan to an Acrossnz advisor and we'll check the timing works.
Time needed
1-2 hours
Best time
The colour is most vivid on a sunny day following a period of dry weather.
Practical tips
- The water is at its most vibrant after a few days without rain, as heavy downpours can wash the glacial silt out and make the water grey.
- Pack insect repellent, as sandflies are common in the West Coast bush, especially during warmer months.
- Part of the access road to the gorge is unsealed, so it is advisable to drive slowly and with care.