From Arthur's Pass to Glow Worms: My Adventure in Hokitika, New Zealand

the teal blue waters of Hokitika Gorge

Ah, Hokitika – a charming little town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this gem of a place on my solo road trip from Christchurch. I thought the drive would take me four hours, but with all the stunning photo opportunities along the Arthur's Pass, it ended up taking me six hours. But hey, who's counting when the scenery is breathtaking?

One of the highlights of my Hokitika visit was the Hokitika Gorge, which is a short 45-minute to one-hour hike from the town. The crystal-clear blue waters of the gorge were mesmerizing, and I just couldn't resist taking a dip. I mean, who wouldn't want to swim in such a beautiful natural wonder? But boy, did I regret that decision. The water was so cold due to the glacial melt that I could feel my toes turning into ice cubes. Note to self: always check the temperature before jumping in!

After my bone-chilling swim, I needed some comfort food to warm up. That's when I stumbled upon Fat PIPI pizza on the beach. Not only was the pizza delicious, but the name of the place also made me chuckle. It's funny how a silly name can bring so much joy after a long day of driving and swimming in freezing water.

But the real magic of Hokitika happened after sunset. I discovered a free public glow worm hillside on the edge of town, just a two-minute hike from the car park. It was nothing short of enchanting. The little bioluminescent creatures twinkling in the darkness created a fairytale-like atmosphere that took my breath away. And the fact that it was free just made it all the more special.

Sadly, my time in Hokitika was brief, and I only spent one night there. The next morning, I had to say goodbye and hit the road again, this time heading to Wanaka. But I'll never forget my short but sweet visit to this lovely little town. It's amazing how much joy and adventure you can pack into just one day if you have an open mind and a sense of adventure.

So if you're ever in the area, be sure to visit Hokitika, take a dip in the Hokitika Gorge (if you're brave enough), grab a slice of pizza at Fat PIPI, and witness the magical glow worms at night. I promise you won't regret it (although you might regret the cold water).