Where to Walk and Hike in Hokitika
Hokitika is a budget traveller’s dream; 23 free walks! You don’t have to pay for any skydives or bungy jumps to enjoy the surrounds of this West Coast town.
Make the most of your stay by exploring the walking and mountain bike trails. One evening you could be watching the sunset across the ocean from the driftwood scattered Hokitika Beach.
The next day you could be standing on top of Mt Brown or Mt Tuhua looking over to Aoraki Mt Cook and the rest of the Southern Alps.
You even have a choice of two forested scenic reserves surrounding reflective lakes. Trust us, you won’t get bored.
There’s a choice of short walks to points of interest like Dorothy Falls and the Hokitika Gorge, half-day walks around Lake Kaniere and Lake Mahinapua, and full-day mountainous hikes. We have them all listed here!
For more information on Hokitika, head to 5 Reasons Why Hokitika is Such a “Cool Little Town” and 10 Awesome Things to Do in Hokitika.
Table of Contents
1. Hokitika Gorge Swingbridge
Arguably the most scenic swingbridge in New Zealand! Below is the milky blue pools of Hokitika Gorge. This easy 2 km (1.2 mi) loop now features two swing bridges, offering multiple “wow” moments as the gorge squeezes between pale rock and unreal turquoise water.
The track includes boardwalks through mature podocarp forest and several lookouts for photo opportunities.
Parts of the short walk are wheelchair-accessible, but there are stairs on the full loop. Allow up to 1 hr 30 mins to complete the walk and soak in the views.
Location: 25 km (15.5 mi) east of Hokitika at the end of Kowhitirangi Road and Whitcombe Road.
© PocketGuide.com2. Mananui Bush and Beach Walk
Take an easy stroll through a sand dune forest and driftwood beach in the Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve.
This flat path offers a quick nature hit, slipping through a rare remnant of sand-dune tōtara forest before popping you out onto a wild, driftwood-strewn stretch of Ruatapu Beach.
The family-friendly walk takes about 20-30 minutes return, but you’ll likely linger for sea views and to stack a driftwood photo or two. It’s an easy short walk that’s even stroller-friendly. There are no facilities, so bring water and a wind layer as the beach can be breezy.
Location: 9-10 km (5.6-6.2 mi) south of Hokitika just off State Highway 6.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Hokitika Beach
Right in the heart of town, Hokitika Beach offers a picturesque shoreline perfect for a casual stroll.
Known for its ever-changing driftwood sculptures, especially the iconic “Hokitika” sign, the beach provides big horizons, Tasman Sea swells, and endless photo opportunities.
It’s particularly stunning at sunset when the sky lights up. While not safe for swimming due to strong rips, it’s unbeatable for atmosphere.
Whether you’re after a morning stretch, a romantic evening wander, or a family driftwood-hunting mission, you’ll likely return more than once. Keep an eye out for greenstone too!
Location: Access from Beach Street, Weld Lane and Sunset Point Road, Hokitika. Easily accessible from Fitzherbert Street in the town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Canoe Cove Rimu Forest Walk
A 20-minute loop through lush rimu forest leads to a tranquil swimming hole and picnic spot.
We love this short but sweet walk that showcases the quiet beauty of West Coast rainforest. The flat, well-maintained path winds through stands of towering rimu and other native podocarps, with the forest floor carpeted in ferns and mosses.
Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the local ecology. At the end of the loop, you’ll find Canoe Cove, a peaceful spot perfect for a picnic or a refreshing dip.
Location: Lake Mahinapua, 10 km (6 mi) south of Hokitika. Access via the Lake Mahinapua car park.
© Pixabay5. Dorothy Falls
This 2-minute walk is to the best waterfall in the area… That might be because it’s the only one.
Just a short stroll from the roadside, Dorothy Falls is a hidden gem along Lake Kaniere Road.
It’s a quick and easy walk, perfect for families or anyone wanting a brief nature fix. In summer, brave locals sometimes take a dip, though the water is icy cold year-round.
Location: Car park by the bridge at Dorothy Falls Road on the eastern side of the lake. Find out more on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.
© RoadyNZ - westcoast.co.nz6. Londonderry Rock
Walk in the footsteps of the gold miners of the Kumara area. This easy 30-minute return track winds through regenerating forest to the massive Londonderry Rock: a glacier-deposited boulder too big for miners to move.
The rock’s sheer scale is impressive, and kids will enjoy scrambling around its base.
Interpretive panels highlight both geology and gold rush history, giving context to Hokitika’s boomtown days.
Location: Goldsborough camping area, about 20 minutes inland from Hokitika, 1 km (0.6 mi) east of Kumara off State Highway 73.
© Sintonwhite on Wikipedia7. Goldsborough (Shamrock) Track
Step back in time on this historic 1-hour 30-minute loop through Hokitika’s gold rush era. The Goldsborough Shamrock Track follows an old water race, revealing traces of 1860s mining activity.
You’ll spot tailings, sluiced banks and old tunnel remains amid regenerating bush.
The well-marked trail offers a mix of gentle gradients and slightly rougher sections, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Location: Starts from the Goldsborough Campsite, 20 minutes’ drive inland from Hokitika.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. The Glow-worm Dell
For a magical evening experience, the Glow-worm Dell is one of Hokitika’s most popular short walks. The 50-metre track leads into a fern-filled gully where thousands of glowworms light up the rock face after dark.
It’s best to visit at night with dim torches pointed at the ground, allowing your eyes to adjust to the natural glow.
This free, flat walk is suitable for all ages, making it a favourite with families. During the day, it’s still a pleasant rainforest pocket, but the nighttime show is the main attraction.
Location: On the roadside at the northern town entrance, just north of Hokitika town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Sunset Point
An especially epic sunset vantage point is at the aptly named Sunset Point. Not only will you see the sunset over the ocean, but there are also views over to the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook.
The walk itself is more of a leisurely wander along the spit where the Hokitika River meets the Tasman Sea.
From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the coastline, river mouth, and out to the snow-capped Southern Alps on a clear day. As the sun sinks, the skies often explode with colourmaking this a favourite photography and picnic spot.
Location: Access by walking along the beach or by Sunset Point Road.
© Jase Blair - westcoast.co.nz10. German Gully Pack Track and Goff Track
This 2-3 hour loop combines historic mining remnants with regenerating native bush, offering a rewarding mid-length walk for those seeking a blend of heritage and wilderness.
The German Gully Track and Goff Track follow old packhorse and mining routes from Hokitika’s gold rush era.
Expect some steeper sections, roots, and occasional mud, good footwear is essential. It’s a quieter alternative to more famous short walks, perfect for those wanting to delve deeper into West Coast history and nature.
Location: Blue Spur Road, near Blue Spur, inland from Hokitika, West Coast, South Island. A short drive from Hokitika.
© Bastian on Flickr11. Lake Kaniere Walkway
Lush forest, lush lake, lush mountain views, lush bays: just lush! This walk is 3-4 hours one way and is suitable for mountain bikes.
The Lake Kaniere Walkway is a classic West Coast lake walk stretching about 10 km (6 mi) along the western shore of Lake Kaniere.
Expect a mix of peaceful bush walking and occasional lake views, perfect for birdwatchers and those who like a quieter, full-immersion tramp. While you can tackle the full walkway, many walkers choose shorter sections, especially near the picnic areas at Sunny Bight or Hans Bay.
Location: Start from the car park south of the southern end of Lake Kaniere. Ends at Sunny Bight at the northern end of the lake. 19 km (12 mi) from Hokitika.
© RoadyNZ - westcoast.co.nz12. Prossers Bush Walk
It may just be a 10-minute return walk but this walk amongst the kahikatea forest is an insight into what the whole Hokitika township used to look like.
For a quick but authentic taste of native forest, Prossers Bush Walk delivers plenty in a short wander. This family-friendly 15-20 minute loop showcases one of the area’s finest stands of lowland podocarp forest.
Well-formed and mostly flat, the track features interpretive signs highlighting towering kahikatea, rimu, and mataī.
It’s a great introduction to West Coast rainforest ecology and a popular stop on the way to Dorothy Falls or Lake Kaniere picnic spots.
Location: From the car park at Town Belt East. A short drive off Lake Kaniere Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Tunnel Terrace Loop Walk
Just like the name suggests, this walk involves delving into gold mining tunnels on a 20-minute loop walk.
A real “hidden gem”, the Tunnel Terrace Loop combines West Coast bush with fascinating gold mining history.
The 1 km track follows miners’ water races, cutting through hand-dug tunnels still visible today.
Well-signposted interpretation panels explain how miners once diverted water through these tunnels to sluice gold. A torch is handy for darker sections, though the tunnels are safe and accessible.
Location: Near the old Goldsborough settlement, just off the Stafford-Goldsborough roadside.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Kahikatea Forest Walk
This easy 10-minute loop is one of the best ways to see New Zealand’s tallest native trees up close. The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk meanders through a pocket of swamp forest dominated by towering kahikatea, some hundreds of years old.
Weave through a lush understory of ferns and mosses, with interpretive panels explaining the ecology of this rare wetland habitat.
It’s perfect as a quick stop-off when driving along State Highway 6 or paired with the nearby Mananui Bush and Beach Walk.
Location: Sunny Bight, Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve. 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Hokitika.
© pxhere15. Mt Tuhua Track
Now we’re on to the hardcore hikes! This 7–8 hour return trip takes you to the mountain tops for awesome views of the Southern Alps, Lake Kaniere, the coast and Hokitika.
It’s a challenging climb through dense forest and subalpine scrub to the 1,125-metre summit.
The tough ascent rewards you with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Come prepared with proper footwear, plenty of water and warm layers, as weather can change quickly at altitude.
Location: Access from Dorothy Falls Road, south of Hans Bay. The trailhead is at Lake Kaniere’s Sunny Bight.
© NZPocketGuide.com16. Kaniere Water Race Walkway
Follow the Kaniere Forks power station water-race through the forest on this 3-4-hour one-way track.
However, there is a 1-hour option by taking The Landing to Wards Road. This track is also open to mountain bikes.
Location: Start from the car park at The Landing on the northern end of Lake Kaniere. End at Kennedy Creek near the Kaniere Forks Power Station.
© Chris Steele - westcoast.co.nz17. Mt Brown Track
This is a harder track than the Mt Tuhua track (see above). The 4-hour climb up to the Mt Brown Hut is a rewarding hike with stunning views.
The track winds through lush podocarp and beech forest before opening to subalpine scrub. As you ascend, glimpses of Lake Kaniere and surrounding mountains emerge.
Birdlife is abundant, with tui, fantail and bellbird common companions.
Location: Off Dorothy Falls Road, south of Dorothy Falls on the south bank of Geologist Creek. Starts from the Wards Road car park, near Lake Kaniere.
© Zoe Cowling - westcoast.co.nz18. Rimu Lookout
This easy 1 to 1 hr 30 mins return walk offers panoramic views of Lake Kaniere, surrounding forests, and distant mountains.
The track begins at the Kaniere Water Race car park, leading through towering rimu and native podocarps before opening onto a lookout platform.
It’s steep in sections but generally well-formed, making it suitable for most walkers with moderate fitness.
Location: 4 km (2.5 mi) over the Kaniere Bridge at the car park at Rimu Hill.
© Kahuroa on Wikipedia19. Blue Spur Bush Walk
The Blue Spur Bush Walk is a rewarding 30-45 minute loop that showcases Hokitika’s gold-mining heritage.
Meander through regenerating native forest dotted with 19th-century relics, including water races, sluicing areas, and mining tailings.
Interpretive signs offer insights into the area’s history. Native birds like fantails and bellbirds add charm to this family-friendly walk that combines history and nature.
Location: Start from the car park off Blue Spur Road. Approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Hokitika town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com20. Bellbird Walk
A 20-30 minute loop walk showcasing the beauty of lowland podocarp forest and its lively birdlife.
Tucked within the Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve, the Bellbird Walk offers an easy stroll through lush forest dominated by rimu and kahikatea.
As the name suggests, bellbirds are commonly heard here, along with fantails and tui, creating a melodious backdrop.
Boardwalks and well-maintained paths make it accessible for families and casual walkers.
Location: Southern end of the Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve campsite.
© westcoast.co.nz21. Jum Michel Track
Forest and old sandy dunes can be enjoyed on this 20-minute one-way walk.
The Jum Michel Track offers a quiet bush experience close to Hokitika. This moderate 1-2 hour loop takes you through regenerating podocarp forest, showcasing remnants of the gold-mining era.
You’ll spot water races, tailings and moss-covered mining relics along the way. The track undulates with some steeper sections, so a reasonable fitness level and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Location: The track begins near Blue Spur, Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve.
© Tim Parkinson on Wikipedia22. Mananui Tramline (Mahinapua Walkway)
This 4 km one-way track follows a historic logging tramline through native forest. The flat path takes about 1 to 1 hour 30 mins to complete, crossing wetlands, podocarp forest and old dune systems.
Interpretation panels highlight the area’s sawmilling history. Today, the regenerated forest is home to bellbirds, tui and fantails.
Combine it with the Mananui Bush and Beach Walk for a loop with sea views.
Location: 8 km (5 mi) south of Hokitika on State Highway 6, linking Ruatapu Road with the Mananui Bush and Beach Walk.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia23. Ross Water-race Walkway
More gold mining relics; more ways to stretch your legs. This 1–2 hour loop (about 4 km) follows an old water race built in the 1870s, once used for gold sluicing operations.
The track winds through regenerating forest, past mining relics, and offers sweeping views of Ross township, the coastline, and even Mt Cook on clear days.
It’s an easy to moderate walk with some short climbs but generally well-formed paths.
Location: Ross Visitor Centre, Ross Historic Goldfields, South of Hokitika, West Coast, South Island.
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That’s it for our guide to walks in Hokitika; for more information about hiking trails and outdoor activities in the area, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to the Greymouth.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
