Hokitika Gorge Still Gleaming
Planning a trip to the Hokitika Gorge?
Did you know there is another bridge at the Hokitika Gorge giving you easy access to the glacial blue waters, native birdsong and spectacular views of the Southern Alps? This second bridge was opened in 2020 along with a brand new walking track alongside the gorge. There are plenty of photo opportunities and a great view of the original, now retired, 90 year old swing bridge. Hokitika Gorge is still a must see destination on your next visit to the West Coast, plus with so much more to see and do in Hokitika make sure you include a few days in your itinerary to explore the Cool Little Town.
Guided excursion options:
Explore West Coast – Qualmark Silver
Location: Mackay Street, Greymouth, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Kelly Ashworth
Email: info@explorewestcoast.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 768 7080
Website: explorewestcoast.co.nz
Hokitika Scenic Tours – Qualmark Gold
Location: Hokitika, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Rachel Wright
Email: rachel@hokitikascenictours.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 21 0232 5363
Website: hokitikascenictours.nz
New Jetty for Lake Mapourika
The local’s favourite spot for a swim, paddle or fish!
This is the iconic departure spot for Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, kayak & boat tour journeys and the mirror-like reflections are breathtaking!
Known as a kettle lake, Lake Mapourika was formed by the Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14,000 years ago. The retreating Glacier left behind a large block of ice which melted to create the lake we know today (about 80 meters deep!).
Filled by rainforest streams, this dark tannin filled lake is home to trout & salmon and is warm enough for a swim in the summertime. The outflow river feeds out to sea allowing the sea-run salmon to enter the lake between Christmas and late autumn for spawning.
The back shoreline of the lake borders a kiwi sanctuary, home to NZ's rarest kiwi birds, the rowi. It's hard to imagine life in Franz Josef without this beautiful body of water, we're thankful for it everyday! – Article from Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Location: Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Dale and Bronwyn
Email: info@franzjoseftours.co.nz
Phone: +64 (0)3 752 0230
Website: franzjoseftours.co.nz
Okarito Trig Walk
This walk takes you up to a Trig viewpoint, with views over the alps to lagoons and beaches. On a clear day, the view is unbeatable, overlooking Westland/Tai Poutini National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast.
Explore New Zealand's largest untouched estuarine lagoon, Ōkārito Lagoon, on a kayak or guided tour, home to over 70 bird species, including the beautiful kōtuku.
Read more about West Coast birdwatching
Point Elizabeth Walkway
A must-do walk in Greymouth, West Coast – Point Elizabeth Lookout.
An easy coastal walk leading to a stunning cliff top viewing platform. The track takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes from the North Beach Road end to the lookout and back. Point Elizabeth track is a perfect walk for families and children.