Tues, 24th Mar, 2026 Geoff & Virginia’s place, Taramakau Settlement, NZ (Hokitika Gorge & whitebait)

7 degrees and foggy again. The fog lifted earlier than yesterday to show us another perfect clear blue sky. As we had been to Hokitika, Virginia checked whether we had gone to the gorge. No I missed that one so we headed off to explore it. Forgot my notebook again.

Back through Kumara and at Kurmara Junction turned south to Hokitika. Virginia pointed out Mt Cook ahead of us with his snowy top.

Across the beautiful rivers again as we made our way through the farms to the gorge.

Into the car park and headed off for the walk - no steps on this one.

Across the Hokitika Gorge suspension bridge (built in 2020). Tannin-stained water under us from a side pool. The blue water of the Hokitika River further over.

Continued over the bridge and across the brilliant blue water - this is what Blue Pools should have looked like.

The water from that tannin pool is seeping in here.

Wandered along the track. Spotted some trout which was a tick in our ‘tourist’ box. You can just make one out in the photo.

Out onto the lookout platform then walked down to the water’s edge. Geoff took a photo for us - Steve got carried away!

Then I got the camera back for some more ‘blue’ photos.

I remembered to take a selfie on my phone to put on Facebook.

Virginia stayed on the lookout.

Continued on to the next bridge to head back out. It has just been replaced after being wrecked in a big landslide.

Up the hill where the landslide had happened.

Back around to where the river flows westward out of the gorge.

A info board as we head back to the car park.

No easy walking through this bush. A little bird stopped to say hello.

Nice view from the top of the car park down to the valley plains.

Obviously we went in the ‘out’ way as the information boards are here where we walked out.

Back to Hokitika then up the other side of the river. View back up Hokitika Gorge.

Down a track to look across to where Geoff & Virginia put their ‘stand’ each year to catch whitebait (1 Sept to 30 Oct - depending on river height).

Into town - big clock.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Wandered along the street and checked out a glass blower in action - no photos. Fascinating to watch. Back to the car then headed home. 

Drinks outside enjoying the sunshine. Virginia picked some tomatoes and spring onions for us to take.

It was still very pleasant so stayed outside for dinner. We got to try whitebait in the traditional omelette style form - not bad, though it is a bit strange seeing all the little eyes. Also some NZ crayfish and roast potatoes - very nice.

Watched some fantails in the tree and Virginia pointed out a wood pigeon as it flew over us. Love these chaps.

Inside as the night air settled on us and get some more ideas from them on places to see etc.

Clear cold night when we went back to the camper to bed. It has been wonderful to be able to spend a few days with them. Forgot to take out map photo yesterday so this includes both day’s exploring.