Hokitika Gorge

A granite gorge where the Hokitika River runs a startling milky turquoise, coloured by fine 'glacial flour' ground from the mountains. An easy 2 km loop walk through native forest crosses a swing bridge over the gorge, with viewing platforms of the water below.

The colour is brightest on a fine day after a dry spell; after heavy rain, the river turns grey. Bring insect repellent for sandflies. Hokitika town, half an hour away, is known for pounamu (greenstone) carving and has a glow-worm dell and great sunsets on the beach.