Hokitika Gorge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hokitika Gorge |
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View of the lower bridge over Hokitika Gorge
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| Geography | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| State/Province | West Coast |
| District | Westland District |
| River | Hokitika River |
The Hokitika Gorge is an amazing place to visit in New Zealand. It's about a 40-minute drive (or 33 kilometers) inland from the town of Hokitika. This beautiful gorge is part of the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve. Since August 2020, you can walk a cool loop track thanks to a second awesome suspension bridge over the Hokitika River.
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Where is the Hokitika Gorge?
The Hokitika Gorge is found on the South Island of New Zealand. It's located in the West Coast area. The powerful Hokitika River carved this gorge out of strong granite rock over many, many years.
A Look Back at the Gorge's History
Long ago, Māori people used to cross the Southern Alps through passes like Rurumataikau (now called Whitcombe Pass). They would reach the West Coast near the Hokitika Gorge. In 1863, explorers tried to find a good road link here for the West Coast Gold Rush. However, the route was too hard, so Arthur's Pass was chosen instead.
In 1865, a scientist named Julius von Haast explored the Hokitika River by canoe. He could not go past the gorge because the river was too fast.
Early Activities and Animals
The first gold mining recorded in the gorge was in 1887. Later, in 1898, 50 possums were brought here. People hoped they would start a fur trade. In 1900, four moose calves from Canada were released at the gorge. The last moose was seen in 1914, and it seems they never had babies here.
The Gorge Becomes a Tourist Spot
In 1906, a group asked the government for help to make the gorge a tourist attraction. The government listened and built a road to the Hokitika Gorge. In 1914, William Massey, who was the Prime Minister of New Zealand, visited the gorge. He was very impressed by its beauty. By 1922, the first tours from Hokitika to the gorge were available for visitors.
In 1953, the government made 106 hectares (about 262 acres) of land around the gorge a special place. It was named the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve. Later, in 2004, a company wanted to build a walkway high up in the trees at the gorge. Many people did not like this idea, and the plan was stopped. Instead, the West Coast Treetop Walk was built at Lake Mahinapua.
The Amazing Bridges of Hokitika Gorge
The First Suspension Bridge
In 1924, the government promised money for a footbridge over the gorge. It took a few years, but in October 1933, a simple suspension bridge was opened. This bridge helped people and even farm animals cross the river. It was paid for by the government and the local council. This original bridge is still there today! It is now known as the lower bridge.
The New Loop Track Bridge
On August 16, 2020, a second suspension bridge was opened by the Department of Conservation. This new bridge is 90 meters long, making it one of New Zealand's longest suspension bridges. It crosses the river upstream from the old bridge. This new bridge leads through the treetops on an island in the river. At the same time, a new walking track opened. This track turned the old one-way path into a fun loop track through the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve.
Visiting the Hokitika Gorge
The Hokitika Gorge is a very popular place to visit. About 40,000 people come to see it every year. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Hokitika area. People love to see the bright turquoise water and the beautiful scenery.
