Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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650 m one-way | 15 minutes one-way
Magnificent granite gorge with milky blue-green pools, backed by cliffs and a beautiful rimu forest. This area (a bit further up the gorge) is very popular with white water kayakers - extremeness.
The drive to the Gorge passes several West Coast dairy farms and a memorial to the victims of the Stanley Graham shootings.
From Hokitika, the gorge is about 33 km. Get yourself to Kaniere, on either side of the river. Hokitika Gorge is signposted from by the Arthurstown Bridge.
From Kaniere, follow Kaniere - Kowhitirangi through Kokatahi. Take a few right-left-rights along the farm road right angle intersections. For a while you are on Johnston Road and Nelson Road.
Eventually, follow Whitcombe Valley Road to the parking at the end. There are toilets here.
The well-graded track is suitable for wheelchairs to the viewing platform over the river and gorge.
Continue through the podocarp forest down to the swingbridge. On the far side, hang a left for more views of the gorge. The track ends at another viewing platform around 200 further on.
Return via the same track.
The turquoise waters are derived from the volume of glacial flour, fine rock carried in suspension. The river is fed from glacial meltwaters and the sediment load is transported, reflecting the blue parts of the spectrum.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC West CoastCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km return |
Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? ![]() 10 to 30mins |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easiest walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? ![]() Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? ![]() Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required. |
Disabled Access |
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Disabled AccessDoes this location provide disabled access? ![]() Disabled access provided This location provides access for wheelchairs. |
Crowd Factor |
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Crowd FactorHow crowded is this place usually? Some people This place usually draws a average amount of people. You won’t have difficulties to move along, but you won’t have this place to yourself, either. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? ![]() DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. ![]() |
DO NOT RECOMMEND GOING TODAY.
Very easy walk.
One of my favorite places for a dip/swim!
So beautiful.
Beautiful swing bridge and crystal clear water.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 24 |
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52% |
9/10 | 8 |
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17% |
8/10 | 8 |
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17% |
7/10 | 4 |
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9% |
6/10 | 1 |
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2% |
5/10 | 1 |
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2% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
23April24.
Plenty of parking for large motorhomes.
The original bridge and part of that walk are now closed. There is a new, better (longer) walk to the original waterside area with a new longer bridge.
Hats off to DoC.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
DO NOT RECOMMEND GOING TODAY.
Roads are very flooded and more rain is due. Would likely make it there but very likely you’ll get stuck getting back after more rain. Currently rivers running over the roads. 14/11/19
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
18Oct18.
We come here every trip. A change since our last visit. A lot of work done here and, I think, nearly finished.
The car park has improves, mostly. The original bit is very rutted and our whale of a van wallowed horribly. Round the corner it is better and there is a larger park not yet open.
The walk to the bridge looks better and the walk from the bridge down to the river’s edge is better. Noticeably more people here than either of our previous visits.
The water was a beautiful colour, unlike last time. The weather and other factors play a part in that.
Worth the longish ride out there.
Tip. If going to Lake Kaniere from here, be aware that there are about 10k’s of narrow, gravel road around the south end of the lake past Dorothy Falls down to Hans Bay
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
Nearly didn't bother driving the 33km off the main highway but so glad we did.
Some road works 15km out & also at the carpark but easy drive. Beautiful countryside drive & awesome swing bridge over the aqua coloured river.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
This is what started out to be the first of many swing bridges on our South Island Trip.
What a way to start....The drive there is nice, until we got to the entrance..They are working on the road and car parks, which by the looks of them really needed it, so I'm not gonna complain, just take extra care. The walk to the bridge is awesome, nice short and not too much of a steep grade. Perfect for those of us with disabilities The view from the look out is awesome and well worth the drive out there. The water I thought was amazing, but a local told us it was Milky..either way it was cool.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
One of my favorite places for a dip/swim!
The water is too beautiful to deny on a hot, sunny day. Cold? Yes. Do-able? Totally. Don't be a pussy. The sandflies will eat you alive, so either cover up or keep moving! Witnessed some bridge-jumpers and monkey-style bridge-crossings - not advisable activities for the average visitor, but fun to be had for those who are capable. If you plan on having a picnic, don't leave your food scraps on the rocks you filthy foreign fucks! Sitting on the primo photo spot while you dip chips is fine, but consider the next visitors before you ruin their experience of paradise with your sloppy guacamole and salsa everywhere. Don't give a fuck that it's 'biodegradable' - bad karma bro. Drive there is nice. Plenty of parking, but when it's busy it can be tight and difficult on sloped gravel for larger 2wd motorhomes.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
So beautiful.
The drive was great, through lots of farmland. The actual gorge is lovely. Water so blue. Easy walk there.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.0/5
The water is so blue.
The bridge was a little bit shaky, but an adventure! Standing on the big rock in the bay was/felt great.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
This place is stunningly beautiful.
We saw the Gorge on a drizzly overcast horrible day, and it was amazing. Can only imagine what it looks like on a sunny day. Our favourite place in all of New Zealand.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
3.5/5
Short track close to Hokitika.
Beautiful blue pools with swing bridge.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
Beautiful bridge over turquoise water.
Easy and short walk. Nice spot!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
4.5/5
A short 20-30 minute walk on a well maintained trail.
Plenty of parking. WCs available in the carpark. The Gorge is beautiful.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
5.0/5
23April24.
Plenty of parking for large motorhomes.
The original bridge and part of that walk are now closed. There is a new, better (longer) walk to the original waterside area with a new longer bridge.
Hats off to DoC.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
DO NOT RECOMMEND GOING TODAY.
Roads are very flooded and more rain is due. Would likely make it there but very likely you’ll get stuck getting back after more rain. Currently rivers running over the roads. 14/11/19
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
18Oct18.
We come here every trip. A change since our last visit. A lot of work done here and, I think, nearly finished.
The car park has improves, mostly. The original bit is very rutted and our whale of a van wallowed horribly. Round the corner it is better and there is a larger park not yet open.
The walk to the bridge looks better and the walk from the bridge down to the river’s edge is better. Noticeably more people here than either of our previous visits.
The water was a beautiful colour, unlike last time. The weather and other factors play a part in that.
Worth the longish ride out there.
Tip. If going to Lake Kaniere from here, be aware that there are about 10k’s of narrow, gravel road around the south end of the lake past Dorothy Falls down to Hans Bay
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
Nearly didn't bother driving the 33km off the main highway but so glad we did.
Some road works 15km out & also at the carpark but easy drive. Beautiful countryside drive & awesome swing bridge over the aqua coloured river.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
This is what started out to be the first of many swing bridges on our South Island Trip.
What a way to start....The drive there is nice, until we got to the entrance..They are working on the road and car parks, which by the looks of them really needed it, so I'm not gonna complain, just take extra care. The walk to the bridge is awesome, nice short and not too much of a steep grade. Perfect for those of us with disabilities The view from the look out is awesome and well worth the drive out there. The water I thought was amazing, but a local told us it was Milky..either way it was cool.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
One of my favorite places for a dip/swim!
The water is too beautiful to deny on a hot, sunny day. Cold? Yes. Do-able? Totally. Don't be a pussy. The sandflies will eat you alive, so either cover up or keep moving! Witnessed some bridge-jumpers and monkey-style bridge-crossings - not advisable activities for the average visitor, but fun to be had for those who are capable. If you plan on having a picnic, don't leave your food scraps on the rocks you filthy foreign fucks! Sitting on the primo photo spot while you dip chips is fine, but consider the next visitors before you ruin their experience of paradise with your sloppy guacamole and salsa everywhere. Don't give a fuck that it's 'biodegradable' - bad karma bro. Drive there is nice. Plenty of parking, but when it's busy it can be tight and difficult on sloped gravel for larger 2wd motorhomes.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
So beautiful.
The drive was great, through lots of farmland. The actual gorge is lovely. Water so blue. Easy walk there.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.0/5
The water is so blue.
The bridge was a little bit shaky, but an adventure! Standing on the big rock in the bay was/felt great.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
3.5/5
Short track close to Hokitika.
Beautiful blue pools with swing bridge.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
A short 20-30 minute walk on a well maintained trail.
Plenty of parking. WCs available in the carpark. The Gorge is beautiful.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
4.5/5
Beautiful bridge over turquoise water.
Easy and short walk. Nice spot!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
5.0/5
This place is stunningly beautiful.
We saw the Gorge on a drizzly overcast horrible day, and it was amazing. Can only imagine what it looks like on a sunny day. Our favourite place in all of New Zealand.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
3.0/5
Nice walk and swingbridge, but the water was not as blue-green as expected.....maybe because of all the rainfall but we were a bit disappointed given all the promising pictures at the i-Site and on the
flyers.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Definitely worth the drive!
A wonderful walk to an impressive granite gorge with stunning blue pools, and great swing bridge. Epic and picturesque!
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful swing bridge and crystal clear water.
Many sandflies.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
Very easy walk.
A beautiful bridge under a beautiful turquoise water. Nice spot!
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
It might rain most of the time but is a beautiful short walk to a clear river.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.5/5
Fantastic views and not crowded.
Beautiful water. Watch out for sandflies at the bottom.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
4.5/5
After a short walk, you are rewarded with stunning bright turquoise water.
It is colder than you imagine when you paddle in it though!
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
A good vigorous walk beside the river with a great swing bridge and a lookout with steps down onto rocks and a tiny beach.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
5.0/5
Wonderful walk, one of the most impressive water colours I have ever seen!
Perfect to go for a swim, magical place when the sun is out!
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
5.0/5
Stunning blue river with a nice swing bridge.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.0/5
Nice walk, with a cool swing bridge, blue water was very nice to look at and make pictures of.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
Although it was raining when I walked the track, it was still a great experience - over the swing bridge as well as the way in!
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
A short walk to a beautiful gorge!
The gorge and the water is just stunning. Lake Kaniwere is nice to visit afterwards and have lunch on the side of the lake.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
5.0/5
Beautiful place although it is a detour from the road of about 30km.
I would say it is worth the time and fuel.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely place, it has a swing bridge and lovely bright blue/green water.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Absolutely amazing!
Signs to the Gorge were very clear and easy to follow. Really blue clear water. A hidden gem!
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in December 2015