Family Road Trip to Hokitika Gorge: Kid-Friendly Hikes and Budget Stops Along the Way

Known by locals and frequent visitors as the ‘cool little town’ on the west coast, there’s adventure awaiting you around every corner in Hokitika. The perfect destination for a family getaway, a visit to Hokitka Gorge while you’re in town is a must-do. Pack up your Thrifty rental car, get hungry for a thrilling adventure and follow this itinerary to discover what kid-friendly hikes and budget stops to check out on your way.

Begin Your Journey in The Heart of Hokitika

There’s no better place to begin a journey through the wild and vibrant natural playground that Hokitika is home to than right in the very centre of this cool little town. Hokitika Beach is a hotspot for adventure, and perfectly suited to families of all kinds. Take a stroll along this wide beautiful beach and look out for the small deposits of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone jade) that are known to wash up on the shore. Hokitika Beach makes for a great spot to take in the beautiful scenery of this town while stretching your legs and getting you ready for an epic adventure awaiting you the rest of the day. Better yet, this stop is completely free! You don’t have to pay a cent to lap up the incredible beauty of this natural landscape.

Make a Scenic Detour to Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere

It may be a bit of a detour from your journey toward Hokitika Gorge, but once you get to this next stop, you’ll know it’s totally worth it! Just half an hour east from the town of Hokitika, head toward the scenic Lake Kaniere to discover a waterfall you’ll never forget. This hidden gem within native bushland that surrounds the lake is the perfect stop to bring the family, with the hike toward Dorothy Falls an easy enough one for any kids to enjoy. Have a stroll around the lake and, if you’re feeling brave enough, take a refreshing dip in the water. If you’ve got the munchies, this is a great spot to settle down by the lake’s shores with a picnic. 

Stop By The Kōwhitirangi Memorial

On your way from Lake Kaniere to Hokitika Gorge, make sure to fit one more stop into your journey with a visit to Kōwhitirangi Memorial. A half an hour drive from the lake and only fifteen minutes from the gorge, this is a stop that is filled with interesting history and stunning views. The memorial itself pays tribute to seven men who lost their lives in 1941, each of them honoured on a large boulder with a bronze plaque commemorating their names. Framing the boulder in the background is a farm with adorable animals, as well as the majestic hills that backdrop the region. It’s also known that there is a little family-owned farm stand right nearby, so you and the fam can stop by for some locally produced honey, fresh eggs or homemade jams. If you’re keen to stretch your legs just a little bit more, make sure to take some time walking around these farm lands—there are plenty of cute farm animals that the little ones will love!  

Prepare to Marvel at the Thrilling Hokitika Gorge

After just a short fifteen minute drive from Kōwhitirangi Memorial, you’ve finally made it! The final stop on this road trip journey and the beating heart of this cool little town and the region that surrounds it, Hokitika Gorge is like a piece of heaven on earth. Park your car in the car park and follow the walking track, remembering to take some time to stop at all the scenic lookouts on the way. You’ll soon end up at a view of the gorge that is guaranteed to make you marvel in awe. The sparkling turquoise waters combined with the lush native bush surrounding is a sight for sore eyes! This thrilling natural playground offers a short loop track for you to traverse, a suspension bridge to wander across, as well as the vivid blue river that would rival your wildest dreams.

From the heart of Hokitika on the beach to the waterfall at Lake Kaniere to the peaceful memorial by the little farm, follow this family road trip itinerary in your Thrifty rental car for the ultimate day of adventuring as you make your way to the thrilling Hokitika Gorge.