2025 Kokatahi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#summervacay This is a suggested itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night trip along the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, based on my own experience. You can adjust it according to your own schedule! Important Tip: Remember to download offline maps in advance, as there are areas with no network coverage. The duration of stay at each spot is flexible and depends on individual preference. Day One Christchurch > Hokitika Gorge: 3 hours 42 minutes 🚙 Hokitika Gorge: Known for its stunning turquoise waters and swing bridge. It's a picturesque spot for photos and a short walk. Hokitika Gorge > Hokitika Town Centre: 29 minutes 🚙 Hokitika Town Centre: This charming town is famous for its jade (pounamu) artistry. If you have enough time, you might consider staying here overnight. Must-Try: Hokitika is renowned for its whitebait pizza – a unique local delicacy! 🍕🐟 Evening Highlight: Don't miss the Glow Worm Dell, a free glowworm cave experience right near town. It's magical after dark! ✨ #NewZealand #SouthIsland #WestCoast #Hokitika #HokitikaGorge #GlowWormDell #RoadTripNZ #TravelNZ #TravelItinerary #NZAdventure #Christchurch

Discovering New Zealand's 🇳🇿South Island From the moment our plane dipped beneath the clouds over Queenstown, I knew we were in for something extraordinary. Jagged peaks pierced the sky, glacial lakes sparkled like mirrors, and everything seemed impossibly pristine. My partner and I had dreamt of exploring New Zealand's South Island for years—and it delivered far beyond our expectations. 🗓️ Day 1-2: Queenstown – Adventure Capital of the World 📍 We began in Queenstown, a lively town nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. It’s the perfect base for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. 💡 Tip: Grab breakfast at Vudu Café and don’t miss the Fergburger experience (yes, the queue is worth it). 🗓️ Day 3–4: Fiordland National Park – Into the Wild 📍 From Queenstown, we took a scenic drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. The road alone was breathtaking, winding through lush forests and mirror-like lakes. But the highlight was our overnight cruise on Milford Sound. We kayaked 🚣 beneath towering waterfalls, spotted 🐬 gliding beside the boat, and fell asleep under a canopy of stars. 💡 The sheer scale of the fjords makes you feel small in the best possible way. It’s humbling, quiet, and soul-stirring. 🗓️ Day 4–5: Wanaka – Tranquility and Charm 📍 Next, we headed to Wanaka, a smaller and quieter version of Queenstown, with its own charm. We hiked Roy’s Peak at sunrise—yes, it’s a workout, but the panoramic views are unreal. Later, we strolled the lakefront and found the famous lone Wanaka Tree standing stoic in the water. 💡 Tip: Wanaka’s Rhyme and Reason Brewery was a great place to unwind after a long hike. 🗓️ Day 6–7: Aoraki/Mount Cook – Touching the Sky 📍 Driving into Mount Cook National Park felt like entering another world. Glaciers, turquoise rivers, and the towering peak of Aoraki (New Zealand's highest mountain) greeted us. We did the Hooker Valley Track—a relatively easy 3-hour walk with jaw-dropping scenery the entire way. 🏨 We stayed at the Hermitage Hotel, where the view from our window looked like a postcard come to life. 🗓️ Final Days: Lake Tekapo and Christchurch 📍 On our way north, we stopped at Lake Tekapo. The Church of the Good Shepherd at dusk, with the Milky Way overhead, was the most peaceful moment of the trip. We ended in Christchurch, enjoying a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens and reflecting on everything we’d seen. 💡⭐️ Pro Tip: Use Trip.com to book accommodations and car rentals in advance, especially during peak season (December to March). The flexibility of self-driving made all the difference on our trip. 🧘♀️Final Thoughts New Zealand’s South Island is a land of contrasts—adventure and serenity, mountains and sea, rustic charm and warm hospitality. Every day brought a new landscape, a new emotion, a new story. If you’re looking for a journey that will stir your spirit, challenge your body, and stay in your heart long after you return-start here!

Coming to the small town of Hokitika on the west coast of the South Island is a real sense of “slow life”. Although it is not big, each attraction has its own characteristics, perfect for those who like natural scenery and do not want to be too crowded. Hokitika Beach This beach is best known for the driftwood, piled into art installations, especially the word "HOKITIKA", which many tourists take pictures of. I passed dusk that day, the sky was golden yellow, with the sound of the waves, the photos were really beautiful no matter how you take them. Glow Worm Dell At night you can walk to Glow Worm Dell, which is very close to the town centre. The path is not long, and once inside you will see the trees sparkling like a mini starry sky. West Coast Treetop Walk It’s pretty cool to go for a treetop walk, twenty meters above the ground, looking at the rainforest and distant mountain views, you really feel like you’re flying in the canopy. You can also go up to the observation tower with great scenery and zipline play. Hokitika Gorge The most surprising thing is Hokitika Gorge, the river is so blue that it seems fake. The trail is easy to walk, the suspension bridge takes a great feel, the rocks and the emerald green water are very beautiful. The whole place is quiet and perfect for slow walking. But note that there are more sand crickets. --- Hokitika is not as lively as the big cities, but has a comfortable, relaxing rhythm for those who want to relax. There is no need to rush the attractions, every place is worth slowly enjoying. Have you ever been to this quiet yet tasteful town? #New Zealand Trip #Beach #Fireflies

The Hokitika River on New Zealand’s West Coast is a hidden gem with some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. Fed by glacial melt from the Southern Alps, its surreal turquoise color cuts through lush rainforest and rugged gorges. Walk the swing bridge, explore scenic trails, or simply marvel at the vibrant hues. It’s a peaceful, picture-perfect slice of wild New Zealand that feels almost unreal. #travel #thingstodo #hokitika #river #blue #newzealand

#newzealandtrip Really tall, multilayered waterfall and swimming hole very close to the lake and just a couple minutes walk from the road. So easy to see right off the road. If you want to get close, just pullover and walk 1 minute (or less). Beware the gravel road to get to the parking are for it. Definitely recommended along the way from hokitika to the gorge, for a nice stop.

#newzealandtrip Lovely walk through a rainforest type environment, well maintained and offering some amazing views. The river is just to beautiful. The water is so blue and the landscape here is amazing. The bridge was fun to cross and offered amazing views of the gorge. There are so many viewing options and the trail was well kept. Car parking and toilets were available and this was worth the 27km deviation from the main west coast route.

#newzealandtrip Exploring Hokitika Gorge is a captivating experience, offering a blend of vibrant turquoise waters, lush native bush, and dramatic granite cliffs. As you walk along the well-maintained track, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views from multiple suspension bridges, providing perfect photo opportunities. The serene atmosphere and the vivid blue waters of the Hokitika River create a magical setting that is both relaxing and invigorating. Hokitika Gorge is located in the Westland District of New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 33 kilometers inland from the town of Hokitika.

Our hike to Hokitika Gorge was an unforgettable part of our West Coast adventure. As we walked along the trail, we were surrounded by lush native forest, with the sound of the river rushing nearby. The path was well-maintained, making it an easy yet rewarding walk for all skill levels. The anticipation built with each step, knowing that at the end of the trail, we would be rewarded with the famous turquoise waters of the gorge. The vibrant blue color of the water, contrasted against the surrounding greenery, was nothing short of mesmerizing. Reaching the viewing platform at the gorge, we were blown away by the breathtaking view. The water in the gorge was an incredible shade of blue, almost unreal, flowing swiftly through the rugged, rocky landscape. The surrounding cliffs and dense forest added to the dramatic beauty of the scene. We took our time soaking it all in, snapping photos, and even taking a moment to simply enjoy the serenity. Hiking to Hokitika Gorge was a highlight of our trip, offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and tranquility. #mountainhike #westcoast #hokitika #newzealand #newzealandtrip #campervan #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo

This color of that water! This is an incredibly beautiful site, with a lovely trail leading from the parking lot through forest to two suspension bridges over the one blue Hokitika River. Get there early to enjoy the walk in peace as it's very very popular! Walking track was very very smooth and easy to make. Enjoyed the amazing scenery and suitable for families and people of all ages and abilities. #newzealandtrip

#traveldiaries #newzealand #hiddengem Hokitika Gorge is said to be a gem in the west New Zealand because of its turquoise water. Of course, the colour shows better under bright sunlight during sunny days. The site has white granite cliffs, lush green forest where the track starts and the suspension bridge which spans across the gorge which contains the glacier water. The trail is easy and requires around an hour for a return trip. Child friendly and wheel chair friendly. Recommend to visit Hokitika small town just for this beautiful Gorge.

The colored water in Hokitika Gorge is so fascinating. It's not a lie or a fact! You will definitely be one of those people who are fascinated by this beautiful water color. 💙. 🌲 Quiet Adventure: In Hokitika Gorge, you will find peaceful nature and wonderful scenery. Don't forget to travel the adventure route and experience the peace. 🐞 Insect Traveler: The trip to Hokitika Gorge may have insect cities following you. But don't worry too much because there are beautiful views and things waiting for you when you get there! 😂 Laugh with the experience: The fun and excitement of this trip may make you laugh all the way. It bites hard 😂. In case you love the beauty of New Zealand and adventure with nature, this is a place you must not miss! Share your impressions with CR：elle_bearkung