Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway: 5-hour forest walk

Walk a steel platform through the canopy, then cross a swing bridge over turquoise water

A half-day guided tour from Hokitika combines two forest walks: the Westcoast Treetop Walk, where you climb a 47-metre tower and traverse a 450-metre steel platform through ancient rainforest, and Hokitika Gorge, where you cross a swing bridge over vivid turquoise water. The guide leads both stops and transport is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway

• Walk among ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees
• Climb Hokitika Tower for panoramic views
• Enjoy views of Lake Mahinapua from walkway
• Visit onsite café for local foods
• Walk across Hokitika Gorge swing bridge
• Admire vivid turquoise water and native bush

The experience

Five hours covers two separate walks in the West Coast temperate rainforest. The Westcoast Treetop Walk puts you on a steel platform 20 metres high that stretches over 450 metres through the canopy of Rimu and Kamahi trees. The tower at the far end climbs 47 metres above the forest floor: high enough to see the Southern Alps, Lake Mahinapua and the Tasman Sea in a single view. Between the two, you walk the Mahinapua Springboard, a narrower section where the platform sways gently with the forest movement. The onsite café sits at ground level if you want to rest and eat before or after.

Hokitika Gorge comes second. The swing bridge crosses above water so vivid a turquoise it reads as unreal against the native bush walls. The gorge is a short walk from the carpark, and the bridge is the main event: a photo stop that justifies the detour. The whole day moves at a pace that suits all fitness levels, and children from age three are welcome on both walks.

What’s included

• Your guide leads both the Westcoast Treetop Walk and Hokitika Gorge.
• transport from Hokitika is included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Explore West Coast

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour, so you walk with other visitors and follow the guide's pace through both stops. It suits anyone who wants the forest and gorge without driving themselves, and the fixed route means you see both landmarks in a single morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high is the Hokitika Tower and what can you see from the top?

The tower climbs 47 metres above the forest floor. From the top you see the Southern Alps, Lake Mahinapua and the Tasman Sea.

What is the Mahinapua Springboard?

The Mahinapua Springboard is a section of the treetop platform that sways gently with the forest as you walk through it, part of the Westcoast Treetop Walk experience.

Is there food or a café at the Tree Top Walkway?

Yes, the Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe has an onsite café where you can refresh and enjoy local food.

What is Hokitika Gorge like?

Hokitika Gorge is a scenic spot with vivid turquoise water surrounded by native bush. The main feature is a swing bridge that crosses above the gorge, making it a popular photo stop on the West Coast.