Other than the main street and beach, this awesome Hokitika Gorge is one of the main attractions in Hokitika. Located about 30km inland from Hokitika, it’s the only place we visited in this area.
Hokitika Gorge is an easy short walk. After the first viewing platform, the walk continues for about 6 minutes downhill and you will reach a swing bridge.
After the swing bridge, you may continue down to another viewing platform for a better view further up the gorge and also closer to the water.
The Hokitika River is swift, cold, and unpredictable. Hence, swimming is dangerous and people have died because of swimming in the river.
Do you know?
The water is always blue throughout the year. This is due to the water is glacial fed, it contains the rock flour that helps to create vibrant, milky turquoise color. Rock flour is ground-down mineral-rich schist rock and sandstone which is so fine that it remains suspended in the water as it flows from the Southern Alps. However, the effect may be diluted by the rainfall. Thus, the water is less vibrant after heavy rain.
Rating
Experience ★★★★☆
