A Morning at Hokitika Gorge: A Must-Do from Enchanted
I remember slipping away one morning after breakfast just a few weeks after my arrival to the west coast in early November 2013, curious to see if Hokitika Gorge really lived up to all the hype. Spoiler: it absolutely does.
The drive itself is lovely - about 30 minutes inland through bush and farmland, the kind of scenery that makes you want to roll the windows down even when it’s chilly. The carpark is easy to find, tucked neatly between the trees, and from there it’s a gentle walk in.
The track winds through beautiful native forest - tall rimu and kahikatea, ferns everywhere, that distinctly West Coast feeling of green upon green. You’ll hear the river before you see it, a soft rushing that grows louder as you go. And then suddenly, there it is.
That turquoise water. I’d seen photos, of course, but nothing quite prepares you for how vivid it is in person. It’s glacial meltwater - milky, impossibly blue, rushing between white granite walls that have been carved smooth over thousands of years. Standing on the swing bridge looking down, it honestly takes your breath away.
The loop track is easy and takes about an hour if you dawdle (which you will). There are spots along the riverbank where you can sit on the rocks, take it all in, snap some photos. The glacial water’s far too cold for me and too swift for swimming, but just being near it feels restorative somehow.
Thinking now of our Enchanted guests - how perfect it would be for couples wanting a stunning backdrop for photos, or for groups arriving early who want to stretch their legs and see something spectacular before their event. It’s one of those places that reminds you why the West Coast is so special. Easy, beautiful, and totally worth the short drive.
It’s a slow, lovely hour on the loop track - perfect for a gentle morning or afternoon outing. About 30 minutes drive from Enchanted, then a leisurely walk through the forest. You’ll cross two swing bridges (both super sturdy and fun), and there are beautiful resting seats dotted along the way if you want to sit and soak it all in. The track is easily accessible for all ages, and there are restrooms in the carpark.
Just magical. Absolutely beautiful. A must-do.
