West Coast Treetop Walkway

Perched 20 metres above the lush rainforest floor, the West Coast Treetop Walkway is a gentle, family-friendly adventure that puts you eye-to-eye with native rimu, kamahi, and towering tree ferns. The 450-metre-long, wheelchair-accessible steel walkway winds through ancient podocarp forest, culminating in a 47-metre-tall spiral tower that offers sweeping views across the Hokitika Gorge and the Southern Alps. It’s a unique way to experience the temperate rainforest without muddy boots or a strenuous hike.

Highlights & What to See

• The Spiral Tower: Climb the gentle ramp to the viewing platform for panoramic vistas of the Hokitika River valley and snow-capped peaks on a clear day.
• Interpretive Signs: Learn about the forest’s ecology, Māori history, and the gold-mining past that shaped this region.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for kererū (wood pigeon), tūī, and fantails flitting among the canopy.
• Night Walks: On select evenings, experience the forest after dark with spotlights and guided tours (check availability).
• Hokitika Gorge: A short drive from the walkway, the gorge’s turquoise water and swing bridge are a must-see combination.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to walk the entire loop, including time on the tower. It’s a perfect stop for a relaxed morning or afternoon, and can easily be combined with a visit to Hokitika’s town centre or the nearby gorge. Families with young children will appreciate the easy, stroller-friendly path.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika: Explore the town’s pounamu (greenstone) galleries, the historic Hokitika Museum, and the wild beach at sunset.
• Hokitika Gorge: Just 10 minutes’ drive, the iconic swing bridge and vibrant blue water are unmissable.
• Lake Kaniere: A 20-minute drive to a serene lake with walking tracks and picnic spots.
• Franz Josef Glacier: About 1.5 hours south, for glacier walks and hot pools.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: An hour north, famous for its limestone formations and blowholes.

Please check official sources for current details.