The Hokitika Gorge nestled on New Zealand's rugged and wild West Coast of the South Island is one of those locations where nature really outdid herself and created an absolute masterpiece.
Rushing glacial waters of vibrant turquoise blue framed by the greens of lush native bush and dramatic grey and white rock formations offer visitors and photographers with a scene that truly is unique and hard to come by in any other part of New Zealand.
Although the West Coast of New Zealand is well known for its unpredictable weather changes and a lot of rain, you can visit the Hokitika Gorge and walk the short well graded track in almost any kind of weather and still be amazed at the surroundings (however the water won't be its normal beautiful blue if you go after heavy rain). Whether you’re capturing the misty morning fog drifting through the gorge or the brilliant hues that emerge as the sun hits the water, Hokitika Gorge promises an unforgettable experience especially with your camera.
As a professional landscape photographer based in New Zealand, I have been fortunate to capture some my countries most breathtaking landscapes, but few places rival the absolute natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge. I can promise you that whether you're here just to visit and take in the scenes, or travelling as a photographer, that this spot will leave unforgettable moments and imagery that will leave you more than stoked you came here.
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CONTENTS
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE HOKITIKA GORGE WALK WEST COAST NZ
Distance: 2.4km return.
At the time of writing this blog the Hokitika Gorge lower suspension bridge was closed. You can still walk the Hokitika Gorge Viewpoint and Hokitika Gorge Tracks and return on the same track (which is what I did the second time). The local Council is unsure when/if the lower suspension bridge will be repaired at any point in the future.
Time: 1.5 hours return
Elevation gain: 77 metres
Difficulty: Easy - The Department of Conservation rate this as an easy access short walk. I totally agree - it more like a leisurely stroll and one of the most pleasant walks I've done for incredible rewards!
Hut booking: No
Facilities: Toilets available at the car park.
Dogs: No
WHAT CAMERA GEAR I TOOK
Canon R5 Mirrorless
Canon 15-35mm lens
Tamron 70-200 lens
Nisi Filters (10 stop, 6 stop and 0.9nd grad)
Circular Polarizer (super important for cutting out glare in the gorge)
Carbon Fibre Tripod
Spare battery x 2, spare memory card
Personally I only used my wide angle lens at this location but incase of any compression shots I might have wanted, or spotting birdlife, I took my zoom lens also.
WHERE IS HOKITIKA WEST COAST NZ?
The small (but super charming) town of Hokitika is located on the wild West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Situated along State Highway 6, it is roughly around halfway between the popular destinations of Greymouth and Franz Josef Glacier and serves as a gateway to some of the West Coast region’s most stunning natural attractions.
The Hokitika Gorge is just a 30 minute drive inland from Hokitika. The drive through farmland towards the mountains is super easy and offers some beautiful rural views along the way.
HOKITIKA GORGE PARKING
At the Hokitika Gorge you'll find a well maintained and large parking area close to the beginning of the walking track. This parking area is free and offers plenty of space for cars and campervans, catering to both day trippers and motorhome travellers.
There are free public toilets available at the Hokitika Gorge Parking Area and just a brief stroll from the car parks leads you to the viewing platforms and the track's starting point.
The parking area can get super busy in the Summer months so to avoid missing out on parking space arrive early.
HOKITIKA GORGE WALK AND THE PHOTOS
My first ever visit to the Hokitika Gorge was on a moody rainy day but with the grey clouds on the horizon matched with that bright blue turquoise glacial water, the colour combination created such a beautiful contrast in my images from that day. My second visit was an a stunning winters day and I have to say walking the track with peeps of sunlight streaming through, and seeing the full view unobstructed by cloud was my favourite way to view this beautiful spot.
As mentioned above, The Hokitika Gorge walk is a short walking track that offers an easy way to experience one of New Zealand’s most striking natural wonders, the Hokitika Gorge.
Starting from the parking area, the well maintained trail (accessible for push chairs / wheelchairs also) winds through lush native bush, with ferns, moss covered trees, and vibrant birdlife (look out for the friendly Fantails, Robins and Tomtits if you're lucky to spot one).
HOKITIKA GORGE PHOTO SPOT: VALLEY VIEW
About 15 minutes in, you'll reach an open viewpoint and bench seat overlooking the river and farmland land of the upper Hokitika Valley.
HOKITIKA GORGE PHOTO SPOT: THE UPPER SUSPENSION BRIDGE
As you continue along the track for around 250 metres, you'll cross The Upper Hokitika Gorge Suspension Bridge that offers a breathtaking vantage point over the gorge. This is the ideal place to stop for photos, with panoramic views of the turquoise blue water below and the dramatic rock formations on either side.
The track then runs along the river edge from the Upper Suspension Bridge, where a curved platform offers additional river views and showcases the suspension bridge and mountains in the distance.
HOKITIKA GORGE PHOTO SPOT: LOWER GORGE VIEWING PLATFORM (THE BEST VIEW)
The track continues to meander through native forest, offering scenic river views and featuring curved boardwalks that lead you alongside small waterfalls where you can spot the blue glacial water through the foliage.
At the end of the track, you'll be rewarded with the Lower Gorge Viewing Platform that gives you the famous Instagram view of the Hokitika Gorge, and in my opinion the best spot to take photos.
After taking photos from the lower viewing platform you can go through the gate and walk out onto the boulders and there is also a riverside spot where you can relax, take in the serene surroundings, and even dip your toes in the cool waters. Beware however, Hokitika Gorge is home to New Zealand's biting sandfly which can be super annoying and leave you with itchy bites all over if you don't wear insect repellant.
Once you've taken your photos return to the carpark the way you came.
TIMES AND DISTANCES OF THE HOKITIKA GORGE WALK ONE WAY
Hokitika Valley Viewpoint: 650m, 15 minutes
Upper Gorge suspension bridge: 900m, 30 minutes
Lower Gorge viewing platform: 1.2km, 45 minutes
IS THE HOKITIKA GORGE WALK ON THE WEST COAST WORTH IT?
The Hokitika Gorge Walk is truly worth every second, providing one of the most breathtaking experiences on the West Coast of New Zealand. Although it is a brief and simple trail, the walk showcases incredible scenery that can sometimes seem unreal. The vivid turquoise waters of the gorge, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged rock formations, form a surreal landscape that will leave a lasting impression on you.
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