The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika, one of the larger towns on the South Island’s west coast. Visiting it requires a slight detour off the main road. But it is a detour you won’t regret taking.

An easy walk through lush native bush takes you to a rocky gorge with calm turquoise blue water. The four minute walk passes through a mainly rimu and podocarp forest to a viewing platform. You’ll be teased with glimpses of the otherworldly colour of the water through trees as you make your way along the track.

The vivid turquoise water of the gorge is surrounded by lush native bush. The water has to be seen to be believed.

Why the amazing colour? Nature at work. The movement of glaciers, high in the surrounding mountains, grinds rocks into a fine powder that colours the water in the gorge.