You can fit Hokitika Gorge and West Coast Treetop Walk into one half-day from Hokitika. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes for the gorge loop, 40 to 45 minutes to drive between the two, and about an hour at the Treetop Walk.
A simple half-day timetable
This plan starts from Hokitika at 9am. Shift the times to suit, and keep an eye on our last access time.
| Time | What you are doing |
|---|---|
| 9.00am | Leave Hokitika for the gorge (30 min) |
| 9.30am | Walk the 1.6 km Hokitika Gorge loop (about 1 hr 30 min) |
| 11.00am | Drive to West Coast Treetop Walk (40 to 45 min) |
| 11.45am | Coffee or something to eat at the cafe, open until 3pm |
| 12.30pm | Treetop Walk and tower (allow about an hour) |
| 1.30pm | Optional Tower Zipline, on the hour from 10am |
| 2.15pm | Back in Hokitika, 15 minutes away |
Which should you do first?
Heading south towards Franz Josef? Do the gorge first, then stop at the Treetop Walk on your way down the coast. From the Treetop Walk, allow about 1 hour 40 minutes to Franz Josef.
Heading north from Franz Josef? Stop at the Treetop Walk first, then head inland to the gorge. Allow about 1 hour 40 minutes from Franz Josef to the Treetop Walk.
Staying in Hokitika? Go to the gorge early if you can, as the car park gets very busy from November to April.
Two ways to see the same rainforest
Hokitika Gorge is at ground level, with turquoise water, granite and two swing bridges. It is free, and DOC lists the full loop at 1.6 km.
West Coast Treetop Walk takes you 20 metres up into the canopy of native rimu and kāmahi on a self-guided 1.2 km walkway. The 47-metre tower has views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.
Treetop Walk prices and hours
| Ticket | Treetop Walk | Tower Zipline & Treetop Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $43 | $139 |
| Student | $38 | $119 |
| Senior (60+) | $38 | $119 |
| Child (5 to 18) | $23 | $99 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | $108 | – |
| Group of 4 | – | $399 |
Children under 5 are free on the Treetop Walk. Book online to save 10%. For more detail, see our ticket price guide.
We are open 9am to 5pm in summer, with last access at 4.15pm, and 9am to 4pm in winter, with last access at 3.15pm.
Thinking about the zipline?
The Tower Zipline sends two riders side by side at up to 65 km/h, for riders from 30 to 120 kg. It runs daily on the hour from 10am, and booking ahead is recommended to get your preferred time.
Travelling with a wheelchair or pram?
The gorge track is wheelchair accessible as far as the first viewing platform, 150 metres from the car park. Our walkway is wheelchair and pram friendly and Hāpai Access Card certified. The tower and zipline launch are reached by stairs.
What to bring
- Water, as there is none at the gorge car park
- Sandfly repellent
- Sturdy shoes and a jacket
- Your directions saved, as there is no mobile coverage beyond the gorge car park
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Hokitika Gorge and the Treetop Walk in one day?
Yes. Both fit comfortably into a half-day from Hokitika, with 40 to 45 minutes of driving between them.
How far is the Treetop Walk from Hokitika Gorge?
Allow 40 to 45 minutes by car.
Do you need to book Hokitika Gorge or the Treetop Walk?
Hokitika Gorge does not need a booking. Booking the Treetop Walk online saves 10%, and booking is recommended for the Tower Zipline.
Which should you do first?
If you are heading south, do the gorge first. If you are coming north from Franz Josef, stop at the Treetop Walk first.
