Arthurs Pass to Hokitika
West Coast Self Drive Travel Guide
Travel Facts
Distance: 95 km (59 miles)
Approximately: 1 hour 20 minutes
Road Conditions:
State Highway 73 Arthurs Pass Village to Kumara Junction
State Highway 6 Kumara Junction to Hokitika
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The West coast is on the prevailing weather side of the island, and has huge rainfall as a result - over 6 metres annually in Milford Sound, But only around 3 metres in the Arthur's Pass area. With the Alps dividing the Island from top to bottom, the East coast is resultantly drier, while the lush West Coast is still mostly blanketed in temperate rain-forest.
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After crossing the summit of Arthurs Pass the road descends into the steep bush clad Otira Gorge on the West Coast side of the alps. Otira was once a busy railway settlement at the western end of the 8.6km rail tunnel through the Alps. This is an area of rugged natural beauty especially so when the Rata are blooming.
With the upgrade to State Highway 73 through the Otira Gorge, the previous problems with falling rocks, slips and steep gradients in icy conditions are gone and the drive is now over sweeping viaducts.
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Following the winding road and long straights down from the Otira Gorge you will come to the historic Jackson's Hotel as the road follows the Taramakau River down to Kumara and the Junction with State Highway 6. Here again you will find many photo opportunities along the way.
The Kumara Junction is a another unique carriage way of New Zealand with the rail line between Greymouth and Hokitika running through it. Remember Trains always have the right of way.
At Kumara Junction follow the signs for Hokitika onto State Highway 6. The road is broad, easy travelling and interesting.
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Hokitika is now a realatively quiet township dependent upon farming and tourism than it was a 100 years ago. From about 1864 when the township first sprang up it was like most other Coast towns a centre of boasting gold miners, hundreds of hotels and liquor shops, dancing girls and a considerable population of diggers from many parts of the world.
At one stage boasting a regional population of 50,000 Hokitika was the sixth town in New Zealand, ranking after Nelson.
There are many attractive spots within easy reach of the township, including Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua. The rich dairy lands of Kokatahi and Kowhitirangi and the popular must see Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve.
For aswesome photo opportunities at sunset, head for the Hokitika Beach and keep your camera ready.
Welcome to Hokitika - enjoy your stay
This Guide last Updated: November 2010
Driving Distance and Times
The distances and times within the Travel Guides are based on travel at an average of 80 to 90kmph in good weather and light to medium traffic, allowing for a break of 10 minutes from driving in each full hour.
Allow extra time for:
Sight seeing, Heavier traffic conditions, Inclement weather and any other needs you have.
There are many factors beyond the authors and our control that can and will impact upon the true distance travelled and time taken to complete any journey.
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