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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.