WALKS
Walking, strolling, hiking, tramping, backpacking. Whatever you call it, there is something to suit your feet within a few minutes of Hokitika. Some say we offer the best range of hikes and rainforest walks in the country.
Difficulty:
Area:
Family Friendly:
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
HARD DAY HIKE OR MULTI-DAY
Time: 1-2 days
Access: Access to Mount Brown is off the eastern Lake Kaniere gravel road near Slip Bay.
Features: Steep climb up to amazing views of the Alps, Lake Kaniere and the coast. Mount Brown Hut (4-bunk) was relocated by DOC from the Lower Arahura and that and the track are now maintained by a group of volunteers (Permolat). Hike up to the hut for lunch or stay overnight. Loop available via the Styx River.
See DoC for up to date track and weather information.
LOCATION : Hokitika Town
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 and orchids.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
HARD MULTI-DAY
Time: 3-4days 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. Image: Brian Dobble
See DoC for up to date track and weather information.
LOCATION : Hokitika Beach
EASY
Time: 5 minutes walk from town centre.
Access: By foot, along beach, beach track, or Quayside section of Heritage Walk. By road via Sunset Point Rd.
Features: Sunsets, sunrises & starry nights. Hokitika rivermouth & beach. Views of Aoraki Mount Cook & Tasman (Horo Kawau). Tambo ‘shipwreck’. Information panels. Walks, picnicing, beach fossicking, fishing, & whitebaiting.
LOCATION : Kumara
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.
LOCATION : Awatuna/Goldsborough
MODERATE
Time: 1.5 hour loop
Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area, crosses creek and climbs via German Gully Track to Scandinavian Hill Road. Turn north here and return by Goffs Track and part of the Goldsborough Track.
Features: Historic goldmining features in regrowth native forest.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
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.
LOCATION: Ross
EASY / MODERATE
Time: 1 hour loop.
Access: Walk starts from Ross Visitor Centre.
Features: Follows Mt Greenland Rd up Jones Creek and 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.
LOCATION : Rimu / Woodstock
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.
LOCATION: Ross
MODERATE / HARD
Time: 7 hours return. 18 km
Access: Start from the Ross Goldfields carpark, along the DOC track from the left hand corner which joins the Mount Greenland 4WD road.
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.
LOCATION: Hokitika Town
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 1-2 hours
Access: From i-Site or any point along the walk.
Features: A great way to see the town centre and learn about Hokitika's history and culture. This self-guided walk features Take-a-Seat artseats, public art displays and historical monuments and buildings. Get a town map showing the whole walk and a Heritage Trail brochure which provides information about the historical points of interest. Both available from the Visitor i-Site.
LOCATION: Awatuna / Golsborough
EASY
Time: 20 minute loop
Access: Signposted on Stafford-Goldsborough roadside with carpark.
Features: Track enters and exits through old goldmining tailrace tunnels and meanders through old gold workings. Passes through regenerating rimu, kamahi and tree fern forest. A great place to see glowworms at night.
LOCATION: Mahinapua
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 2 hours (walk) one way. 6 km
Access: 8km south of Hokitika on SH6, or start 3km from Rimu on Rimu-Ross Rd
Features: Follows old logging tramway route through a cross section of West Coast bush history. It crosses a diverse range of landscapes including board walked wetlands, natural terrace rimu forest and regenerating native forest and pine, eucalypt and monterey cypress plantings. Detour to lakeside Picnic Point along fine rimu-forest ridge worthwhile (40 minute return trip detour to Picnic Point). Open to mountain biking as well.
LOCATION : Arahura/Blue Spur
MODERATE
Time: 1.5 hour loop walk
Access: Carpark on Blue Spur Road
Features: Old Chinese goldmining workings: races, stone walls and shafts in regrowth native forest. Great fun for kids to explore but care required due to steeper sections, hidden drops and shafts. Stick to the track, wear good footwear as parts can be slick.
LOCATION : Awatuna/Goldsborough
MODERATE
Time: 4 hours one way. 8 km.
Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area. Ends on Callaghans Road. Walk back along road or return transport required.
Features: Both ends of track feature signs of historic goldmining, including fine tunnels on Shamrock Creek. The higher portions of the track are one of the best remaining local examples of hill-country rimu and miro forest.
LOCATION : Lake Mahinapua
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 15 minutes one way
Access: From lake access road. Ends close to camping area
Features: Tree ferns, kamahi and totara forest on old sand dunes. Small panels identify tree and shrub species. Fun for the kids.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
HARD
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.
LOCATION : Hokitika Beach
EASY
Time: Take as long as you like.
Access: Readily accessible from Beach St, via Weld Lane, Sunset Point Rd and several other access roads (see map).
Features: Wonderful wild beach, black sand and pebbles (including pounamu-jade), driftwood, mountain views, sunsets, sunrise, and starry nights. Walks, picnicking, fossicking for pebbles and driftwood, sandcastles, swimming (for the experienced only), surfing, and surfcasting. Keep your eyes open for the Little Blue Penguin but please respect their space!
LOCATION : Mahinapua
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.
LOCATION : Hokitika Gorge
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 1 hour loop track
Access: The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. The road is signposted the whole way - look for the yellow signs that say Hokitika Gorge and be prepared for a lot of turning!
Features: Sometimes you see photos of a tourist spot and think yeah right, it can’t look as good as that in real life. The Hokitika Gorge is one of those places. Wheelchair accessible viewpoint overlooking a magnificent granite gorge with milky blue-green pools, backed by cliffs and fine rimu forest. Head further along to a swingbridge and then the edge of the Gorge itself. Take care as some dropoffs on the south bank.
LOCATION : Lake Mahinapua
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.
Located on the State Highway 7 roadside at the northern town entrance. Parking available but can be walked to from town.
A 50 meter track leads to Glow-worm Dell - 5 minutes return. Buggies/Strollers ok. Free viewing of glow-worm colonies. Please note that Glow-worms can only be seen at night! Flashlight recommended. Buggies/Strollers ok
LOCATION : Ross
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.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
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.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
EASY
Time: 15 minutes one way.
Access: Carpark opposite Milltown Road.
Features: Small inlet on the north eastern shores of the lake. Best short walk through fine rimu forest. Ends at sheltered swimming and picnic beach.
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
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.