See & Do

1-3 HOUR 
This scenic driving loop takes in the coast south of Hokitika down to the Lake Mahinapua DoC campground, a great place to stop and enjoy the views and the many short walks in the area. Turn inland at Ruatapu onto the Woodstock Rimu Road to make your way back to Hokitika. Along the way there is the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Further along you will reach the Rimu Lookout & Heritage Walk for great views of the river and surrounding area. The trip can be done in reverse as well.  

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HALF DAY
This is a classic scenic drive loop which features amazing scenery. Head inland to the Hokitika Gorge to admire its unbelieveably turquoise waters, enjoying views of farmland, rivers and the mountains along the way. Stop also at the Kowhitirangi Memorial that honours the victims of the Stanley Graham shootings. On the way back, head around the south and eastern end of Lake Kaniere (a good 2wd gravel road). There are plenty of pullouts to enjoy the lake shore as well as a short walk to Dorothy Falls. Then head back to Hokitika. Of course you can do this in reverse too.  

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2 HOUR - HALF DAY 
A loop drive that takes in many historic sights. Head north from Hokitika to the historic goldmining town of Goldsborough where you can try your own luck at the public gold fossicking area at the DoC campground or see old gold workings at the easy Tunnel Terrace Walk. Go over a short section of gravel road (suitable for 2wd vehicles) and turn left at Dillmanstown onto highway 73 towards Kumara. Along the way you might want to visit Londonderry Rock, it is big! Enjoy the revitalised town of Kumara before heading back to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too. 

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45 MIN TO 2 HOUR 
The Blue Spur Tourist Drive is a loop. Along the way there are two walks, Prossers Bush and the Blue Spur Bushwalk. The Blue Spur Bushwalk features interesting Old Chinese goldmining workings and an information panel at the small carpark. Drive along the terrace before dropping back to the Arahura River where you can read another information panel and learn about pounamu (NZ jade) before heading back south to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too. 

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FULL DAY 
Drive about 2 hours north of Hokitika along one of the world's top 10 scenic drives to view the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Dolomite Point out to the rocks is an easy loop walk, wheelchair and stroller accessible and takes about 30 minutes. Head back to Hokitika and look for little blue penguins along the way. 

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FULL DAY 
Head south for less than two hours to see one of the world's few places with glaciers descending into rainforest. Along the way, you can stop and enjoy the many historical experiences in Ross township. The Franz Josef Glacier can be accessed by walking to the terminal face along the valley floor or you can do a guided hike onto the ice. Head back to Hokitika for a good rest after your walk. 

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FULL DAY 
Arthurs Pass is just over one hour from Hokitika and takes you inland to some beautiful mountain scenery. The Otira Gorge which takes you up to Athurs Pass is truly a road construction marvel! There are some nice short walks in the area you can do before heading back down the Gorge and Hokitika. 

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EASY 
Time: 10 minutes return
Access: Carpark on Town Belt East.
Features: Best example of the kahikatea forest that once covered most of Hokitika township area. Regrowth forest but already 20+ metres high. Also delightful native ferns & orchids. 

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EASY / MODERATE
Time: 1 hour return / 3-4 hours one way
Access: Carpark at The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere. Ends at Kennedy Ck near Kaniere Forks Power Station. A shorter easy section from The Landing to Wards Rd (1 hour return) is most popular.
Features: Follows historic, but still used, Kaniere Forks power station water-race, through virgin and regrowth forest. Freshwater mussels, cray and the odd trout may be spotted. Open to mountain biking. 

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EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 10 minutes return. 600 m
Access: Sunny Bight picnic area.
Features: Best short loop walk through fine virgin Kahikatea forest. Along the way you will notice small panels that identify tree and shrub species. 

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CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO TRACK DAMAGE

EASY
Time: 15 minutes one way.
Access: Carpark opposite Milltown Rd.
Features: Small inlet on the north eastern shores of the lake. Best short walk through fine rimu forest. Ends at sheltered swimming & picnic beach.

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EASY 
Time: 2 minutes.
Access: Carpark beside bridge at Dorothy Falls Rd on eastern side of lake.
Features: Short path to pool at base of best local falls. Awesome in a good rain. 

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HARD & STEEP 
Time: 7 hours return. 7.6 km
Access: Signposted on Dorothy Falls Rd just south of Hans Bay.
Features: Best local access to open mountain tops. Panoramic views of Southern Alps, Lake Kaniere, coastal plains and Hokitika. Must be fit. Good footwear required.

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MODERATE 
Time: 4 hours one way
Access: Carpark just south of southern end of lake. Follows western shore of lake. Ends at Sunny Bight at northern end of lake. 
Features: Lush forest, great lake and mountain views, bays and beaches. Open to mountain biking. 

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HARD MULTI-DAY 
Time: 4-5 days
Access: Turn off the Kokatahi/Lake Kaniere circuit road at the sign post “Access to Toaroha Valley”, cross the bridge over the Kokatahi River and follow the road as far as your vehicle will allow. Farm gates should be left as they are found. Permission to cross the farmland must be obtained from the leaseholder, Terry Sheridan, telephone +64 3 755 7967. Alternatively access can be gained from the Whitcombe Valley Road (Hokitika Gorge Road) and the route walked in the reverse order to that described below.
Features: This is a classic West Coast trail. This route traverses rugged river valleys and crosses two alpine saddles. The alpine sections demand experience and good route finding skills in other than fine weather conditions. Throughout winter and into late spring the alpine areas will have a cover of snow. 

See DoC for up to date track and weather information. 

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HARD MULTI-DAY 
Time: 3-4 days one way to Whitcombe Pass
Access: Access from Hokitika is via the Kaniere/Kowhitirangi Road travelling toward the Hokitika Gorge some 30 km inland from Hokitika. After leaving the sealed road, cross two concrete bridges (Diedrich and Granite Creeks). A side road to the left some 100 metres past the second bridge leads to the Whitcombe road end. This side road is signposted “Access to Whitcombe Valley”. The road is prone to flooding part way along and is sometimes left impassable to vehicles. A gate part way in is sometimes locked. At this point there is good parking for vehicles. Beyond the gate the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
Features: This is a classic Trans Alpine trail. The Whitcombe Pass Track takes you through the very rugged bush clad valleys of the lower Hokitika and Whitcombe Rivers to the Main Divide for stunning views.

See DoC for up to date track and weather information. 

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At the northeastern end of the lake - another perfect lake picnic spot. Mountain views, toilets, a huge grassy area (not so flat though), swing set and picnic tables. The nearby DoC campground has picnic tables as well.  

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At the northwestern end of the lake. Picnic tables, toilets, short walk through Kahikatea Forest, grassy area and a pebble beach. The Lake Kaniere Walkway starts here too. 

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GRADE 2 - 4+
1-2 hours
This track follows an historic but still functioning power station water race. Part of the track is being upgraded to become a section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. The track follows the water race into the bush. The first 4km is quite easy. You will then cross a gravel road. This is where the track begins to become a bit harder. In places on the track you may have to walk a few gulches.  At the end of the singletrack you will come onto a 4wd track. Turn right and follow the main 4wd track down. After a few hundred metres you will arrive at the Lake Kaniere road. Turn left and this will take you back to the track 7km away. Or turn right to ride to Hokitika 12km away. This track can be done as a in-out ride also. 

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Grade 4
2-4 hours
This track follows the eastern edge of the lake and gives some great views and access to bays and beaches. Start at Sunny Bight at the northeastern edge or on the southeastern edge. Best as an in and out option as a car shuttle is long. 

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EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 10 minute loop
Access: At southern end of camping area
Features: Pretty sand dune forest & circles an old black sand gold dredge pond. Abundant wildlife.

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EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 15 minutes one way
Access: From lake access road. Ends close to camping area
Features: Tree ferns, kamahi & totara forest on old sand dunes. Small panels identify tree and shrub species. Fun for the kids.

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EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 20 minutes return.
Access: Carpark 9km south of Hokitika just off SH6.
Features: Intriguing walk through rare remnant of sand dune totara forest. Wonderful lonely driftwood-strewn beach.

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EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 15 min one way
Access: North of the main lake carpark and camping area.
Features: Leads to a very small but secluded beach through native bush. A good place to head for a swim. 

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1-3 HOUR 
This scenic driving loop takes in the coast south of Hokitika down to the Lake Mahinapua DoC campground, a great place to stop and enjoy the views and the many short walks in the area. Turn inland at Ruatapu onto the Woodstock Rimu Road to make your way back to Hokitika. Along the way there is the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Further along you will reach the Rimu Lookout & Heritage Walk for great views of the river and surrounding area. The trip can be done in reverse as well.  

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This is a perfect spot really at the DoC Campground. Picnic tables, a large grassy area, toilets, a warm lake to take a dip in and many short walks nearby. The kids love this area as there is so much room to run around and parents love it because the Jum Michel and Swimmers Beach walks can accommodate stollers. Plenty of room to get away from those kids too for romantics and the view is amazing.  

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Grade 2
1-2 hours
This track follows an old logging tramline and features some of the sawmill machinery. It also incorporates a variety of scenery and terrain and includes access to a pebbly beach at the edge of the lake as well as fun boardwalks across swampy areas of wetland close to Mahināpua Creek. The track can be ridden from SH6 or the Woodstock Rimu Road or as an in and out option. This is getting upgraded to become part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Great for the kids.

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Grade 1 
There is a great paddle to be had from Lake Mahinapua through Mahināpua Creek and down towards the township of Hokitika. The Creek has a very gentle current, and passes through beautiful wetland and forest; white herons are usually seen. This trip is suitable for novice paddlers and people in Canadian canoes. Paddlers get out either where the creek crosses the main highway, or further down toward the mouth of the creek, close to the confluence with the Hokitika River. 

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HALF DAY
This is a classic scenic drive loop which features amazing scenery. Head inland to the Hokitika Gorge to admire its unbelieveably turquoise waters, enjoying views of farmland, rivers and the mountains along the way. Stop also at the Kowhitirangi Memorial that honours the victims of the Stanley Graham shootings. On the way back, head around the south and eastern end of Lake Kaniere (a good 2wd gravel road). There are plenty of pullouts to enjoy the lake shore as well as a short walk to Dorothy Falls. Then head back to Hokitika. Of course you can do this in reverse too.  

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MODERATE 
Time: 1.5 hour loop
Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area, crosses creek & climbs via German Gully Track to Scandinavian Hill Rd. Turn north here and return by Goffs Track & part of the Goldsborough Track.
Features: Historic goldmining features in regrowth native forest.

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MODERATE 
Time: 4 hours one way. 8 km. 
Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area. Ends on Callaghans Rd. Walk back along road or return transport required.
Features: Both ends of track feature signs of historic goldmining, including fine tunnels on Shamrock Ck. The higher portions of the track are one of the best remaining local examples of hill-country rimu & miro forest.

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2 HOUR - HALF DAY 
A loop drive that takes in many historic sights. Head north from Hokitika to the historic goldmining town of Goldsborough where you can try your own luck at the public gold fossicking area at the DoC campground or see old gold workings at the easy Tunnel Terrace Walk. Go over a short section of gravel road (suitable for 2wd vehicles) and turn left at Dillmanstown onto highway 73 towards Kumara. Along the way you might want to visit Londonderry Rock, it is big! Enjoy the revitalised town of Kumara before heading back to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too. 

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For those who want to do the Tunnel Terrace Walk or Goldsborough tracks and take advantage of the public gold fossicking area, Goldsborough DoC campground offers picnic tables, information panels, grassed area and toilets.

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EASY / MODERATE
Time: 1 hour loop.
Access: Walk starts from Ross Visitor Centre.
Features: Follows Mt Greenland Rd up Jones Ck & loops back following water race. Replica miner's hut, several dam sites and tunnels. Passes through old Ross cemetery with views overlooking Ross and the Tasman Sea. Goldmining area relics to be seen on walk and at visitor centre.

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EASY 
Time: 10 min one way
Access: Walk starts from the top of St James Street near Visitor Centre.
Features: Part of the Ross Water Race Walkway. Short zig zags uphill before entering the Cemetery. Interesting headstones and great views.

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MODERATE / HARD 
Time: 7 hours return. 18 km
Access: 
Features: Rough unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland. Old miner's pack track through tall rimu with cover of sub-alpine vegetation at top (905m). 360 degree views on a good day. This is a long tramp and good footwear is essential. NB: The road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is therefore not recommended as a day walk. 

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HARD MULTI-DAY 
Time: 2-5 days
Access: Access to the Styx Valley is off the Kokatahi/Lake Kaniere circuit road approximately 1 km on the Lake Kaniere side of the Mark Wallace Styx River Bridge. The track begins at a car park about 500 metres along the Dorothy Falls Road from the last road bridge across the Styx River and initially follows a rough 4WD route. Access to the Arahura Valley is 26 kms outside of Hokitika. Take Milltown Road off of the Lake Kaniere Road to the head of the valley.
Features: Two beautiful river valleys with an impressive saddle. Side trip to Lake Browning possible. 

See DoC for up to date track and weather information. 

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45 MIN TO 2 HOUR 
The Blue Spur Tourist Drive is a loop. Along the way there are two walks, Prossers Bush and the Blue Spur Bushwalk. The Blue Spur Bushwalk features interesting Old Chinese goldmining workings and an information panel at the small carpark. Drive along the terrace before dropping back to the Arahura River where you can read another information panel and learn about pounamu (NZ jade) before heading back south to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too. 

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Grades 3+
Various lengths
A network of excellent tracks maintained by the West Coast Mountain Bike Club. All are within easy biking distance of Hokitika township. Information on these tracks and the maps are available at Hokitika Cycles and Sportsworld. These tracks, including one built for the Nationals, offer intermediate and advanced riders access to great views of the mountains and sea, jumps, and fun challenges including a ride through an old gold mining tunnel. 

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EASY 
Access: Readily accessible from Beach St, via Weld Lane, Sunset Point Rd & several other access roads (see map).
Features: Wonderful wild beach, black sand & pebbles (including pounamu-jade), driftwood, mountain views, sunsets, sunrise, & starry nights. Walks, picnicking, fossicking for pebbles & driftwood, sandcastles, swimming (for the experienced only), surfing, & surfcasting. Keep your eyes open for the Little Blue Penguin but please respect their space!

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Off Beach Street along the beach frontage there are several picnic tables, toilets and of course, the ubiquitous seagull! A perfect place to enjoy hot fish and chips while enjoying the sea air and view. 

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EASY 
Time: 10 min one way
Access: Turn off SH73, 1 km east of Kumara onto a metalled road running alongside a water race
Features: Walk passes through stone-fields of old goldmining tailings & manuka forest to huge glacier-deposited boulder, too big for the early miners to move or break.

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EASY 
Time: 1 hour loop walk.
Access: Carpark at the top of Rimu Hill, 4km over Kaniere Bridge.
Features: Panoramic views of the Hokitika valley, and access to displays on the gold mining heritage of the area.

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