Testimonials from satisfied clients | Hokitika Scenic Tours

Rachel Is Just The Friendliest, Most Insightful Guide Ever!
"Direct quote from my little sister: 'I loved Hokitika Gorge, but the highlight of the trip was speaking to Rachel. She's just so interesting and it's so nice to speak to a Kiwi about life here!' - I agree with her! My sister and I (19 & 23) had what was basically a private tour to Hokitika Gorge and back with Rachel. We didn't have our own transport so this is the PERFECT way to head out there (and $45pp is totally reasonable even as (essentially) backpackers, really really happy with that price for a 2hr trip for just the two of us!).
The Gorge is just a must-do (it's super beautiful) but make sure you use Rachel. Honestly, having met nearly as many actual Kiwis as the bird out here, getting insight into Hokitika/West Coast life was just lovely. Rachel is so bubbly, down to earth, genuinely interested in your travels and she knows SO MUCH. We loved finding out about the first mass murder in NZ back in 1941 (I think!) along the way to the Gorge, and she was happy to stop along the way for pics of cute calves if we wanted to. Rachel also took some great photos of us at the Gorge from afar, which are snapshots we wouldn't ever get otherwise. She happily emailed them to me which is just way beyond what any guide would have to do just for two travelers. We had a bit of extra time too as the Gorge was so quiet so Rachel drove us around Hokitika to point out Sunset Point and where to find the glow worms at the dell later that night.
Honestly, it was just a huge highlight of our little two-night break in this wonderful tiny town out West. I can't wait to return to Hokitika and I'm so so grateful that my sister got to see the Gorge in such an interesting, relaxing, friendly, and exciting way while she's here from across the world. Thank you so much, Rachel!" Amtrogstad of United Kingdom via TripAdvisor, 2018
Great for Trampers
If you are a tramper looking for track relocation services, then these guys provide a fantastic service. And if you have an inReach or other satellite device you can rearrange services to suit the West Coast weather 😁
They provide some regularly scheduled services, but lots of custom services too. This allowed me to completely change my exit point while sitting on the deck of Top Crawford Hut. Andrew Cave – Google, March 2021
Reviews from various clients over the years
"Rachel from Hokitika Scenic Tours was a joy to take a tour with. She is very informative with extensive knowledge and pride for Hokitika. She took us out to the Hokitika Gorge where we spent some pleasant time taking in the splendour of this beautiful spot. I would highly recommend Rachel if you are contemplating a visit to Hokitika, nothing is too much trouble for her." "Went on two tours with Mur & Steve from Lakes District ( UK ) & Deena from Canada. Our fantastic tour guide Rachel was informative, fun and a really genuine Kiwi. We went to Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika Gorge & Lake Kaniere. Would recommend to anyone!! Scenery to die for!!" Claire, 2018 "Beautiful luxury tour, just perfect thanks " Susanna - Switzerland October 2016
"Stunning place and learned alot from all your great info " Emily, Kate & Jamie - Canada & UK November 2016 "Thank you for a great day at Treetop Walk & Pancake Rocks. We were so lucky to meet you." Dave & Noelle - Ireland. March 2017 "I loved this tour so much! Thank you Rachel for teaching me so much about the history and the surrounding area. You are such a sweetheart and seeing the beautiful Hokitika Gorge was definitely one of the highlights of my South Island trip. 11/10 recommend :)" Alyssa T
Reviews from various clients over the years
"Fantastic trip, great scenery & good company " Nimisha Tailor - UK November 2005 "You did a great tour around and were very kind " Marilyn Ferraro - Hollister CA December 2005 "A very pleasant and informative tour, thank you very much" Dave & Jenny Howse - Portsmouth UK December 2005
"Great Tour thanks Rachel. Would not of seen so much on our own " Dave & Edie Hastings NZ December 2005
"Fantastic day with a lovely driver, thank you so much! " Tilda & Annie - Sweden December 2016
" Thanks very much good trip, Gorge is beautiful." Caroline Auld - UK September 2004
"Beautiful & Tranquil - Great photo ops thanks." Jon Santono - New York November 2004
" Loved it absolutely fab! & gorgeous! Thank you." Anna & Maria - Sweden February 2005
Sparkling in the sun
"Perfect timing, as some seasonal rain cleared to reveal the beautiful Hokitika Gorge. Easy access and a solid walking track. On the journey, my delightful driver Rachel gave some pertinent and interesting facts covering the area, its history and whetted my appetite to explore further. She happily catered to my request to visit Punakaiki (the pancake rocks) with breathtaking views of the Tasman. Rachel was bright, warm, and friendly and nothing was a bother. She enhanced my enjoyment of the trip by 100 percent. Her comfortable vehicle and great local knowledge of the area means I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her tour company to any traveler wanting a bespoke tour experience. Thank you, Rachel." 2019
Amazing tour, Rachel was Wonderful
“If sightseeing is your plan, I would recommend Hokitika Scenic Tours. Our visit to Pancake Rocks was just amazing. Rachel was very informative in her local knowledge and the drive was so very relaxed. Didn’t feel rushed in any way while walking Pancake Rocks, lots of photo opportunities as well. A big thank you to Hokitika Scenic Tours the day was just wonderful thank you.” Kate M
Wonderful in every way
"Rachel is an absolute legend - when our plans had to drastically change due to my travel buddy’s illness, she gladly drove us up to Greymouth to get to the hospital last minute and showed real compassion. Plus she took me to the Gorge afterward as well, which was a breathtaking place to visit. Amazing woman and amazing part of the world to visit; could not recommend this business enough." – Daisy E "Was such a fun trip! Comfortable car, great attitude and very good knowledge of the town! Thank you so much, Rachel, you did amazing :)" – Bradley via Facebook “We were biking the West Coast Wilderness Trail and wanted to visit the Hokitika Gorge but of course had no car to get there. Rachel was great. She collected us in town and gave us some local history as we drove out to the Gorge. What an awesome spot! Nice walk, fabulous photo ops, lots of sandflies! Thanks, Rachel, we will recommend you.” Jane via Facebook
Scenic & wonderful
"More than a year ago, I took a tour with Hokitika Scenic Tours to see the Hokitika Gorge and other sights in the surrounding area. It was a beautiful experience, each place we visited had its own charisma. Rachel was a fantastic guide: not only was she very knowledgeable about all the spots we visited, but I also very much enjoyed her stories of what it is like living in Hokitika. I still think about Hokitika once in a while, especially the serene lake we visited. I really hope to return one day!" Kea_Elisa of The Netherlands via TripAdvisorDate of experience: November 2018
Great way to see the sights of Hokitika
"I really enjoyed my tour to Hokitika Gorge with Rachel! I was traveling solo and with little time to explore the hinterland, this was the perfect option for me. Rachel was knowledgeable about the area and its history and allowed plenty of time for me to explore the Gorge. A 2 hour trip in total - well worth it." rachel_m_donnelly of Australia via TripAdvisor, 2019
"Really enjoyed Hokitika Scenic Tours, Rachel was super personable and friendly and offered really good local commentary on the region. The Hokitika Gorge was so beautiful and the Treetop Walk was awesome. Highly recommend!" Monique R via TripAdvisor, 2019
Helpful and efficient tramper track transport
"Through Hokitika Scenic Tours we organised a drop off in the Mikonui Valley and pick up in the Whitcombe Valley before and after a tramping trip. There were 5 of us with big packs. Rachel was super helpful and accommodating, especially as we couldn't be specific about when and in which valley we were finishing. Rachel also recommended a secure place for us to leave our cars. We appreciated Rachel and Morrie's friendliness, knowledge of the area and helpfulness. A great service!" Penny B of New Zealand via TripAdvisor, 2019
Lake Kaniere and Gorge - Excellent!
"We took the lake and gorge trip with Hokitika Scenic Tours and we were delighted by the feeling that this was a personalised tour. Rachel was our guide and driver, and we couldn’t have had a more friendly or knowledgeable person. We were not rushed at stops and arrived at each one prepared with what to expect and with time to look around, including time to take the Gorge walk to the viewpoints and swing bridge. This is *not* like being on a tour bus with a guide droning into a microphone, this is a nice roomy van with a local Kiwi who knows the history, the trees, the birds and answers all of your questions as if it were the first time she’d been asked.
We hope to come again to this “Place of Return” and hope we find Hokitika Scenic Tours still here to use again, maybe for a trip to Fox Glacier…” Lori and Greg
Highlight of Hokitika!
"When we arrived in Hokitika via InterCity bus, we were desperate to visit Hokitika Gorge but left scratching our heads as to how to get there being car-less. Luckily, after a swift phone call to Rachel, greeted with a friendly and accommodating voice - we...we were booked to travel there the following day.
We had a beautiful journey with Rachel. It was fantastic to converse with a local and hear the fascinating insights regarding the geography and local history that makes Hokitika so special. The vehicle was smooth and comfortable, a real delight to the drive-in!
Upon arrival, we were offered some sandfly repellent. However, it wasn’t just any repellent - it was a non-greasy oil made from local and natural ingredients! Another thoughtful touch that did not go unnoticed.
The gorge was stunning, and upon our arrival back to the vehicle, Rachel had some lovely postcards waiting for us. She also had a towel awaiting us just in case we had swum- how thoughtful and hospitable can you get!!?!
We thank Rachel for this excellent service and highly recommend it to all for a stress-free and highly informative journey!" ImogenMoz of Australia via TripAdvisor, 2019
Perfect Timing...Epic!
"I had a little lay over here in Hokitika from the bus trip coming from Franz Josef. Perfect timing. I wanted to see if I could make it to Hokitika Gorge in time before my flight. At the same time I was looking for a taxi to the airport. Talk about perfect timing! Went to the Information Center and bumped into Rachel. She took us to the gorge and then the airport with lots of spare time. The gorge was beautiful and Rachel was kind enough to take a picture of us on the suspended bridge. Well worth it! Rachel is flexible and nothing but positive vibes! She gave us a little brief history of the surrounding area as well. One of my favorite parts of my trip. Highly recommend it!" iwalle64 via TripAdvisorDate of experience: November 2018
Wonderful Hokitika Tour With An Awesome Guide
"We went on a wonderful tour to lake Kaniere, the native rainforest, the waterfall, and Hokitika Gorge. Rachel picked us up from our motel on time. She drove us in a clean and comfortable SUV. The tour was very scenic and very well-paced. We enjoyed walking the rainforest and the Gorge. Rachel was a lovely and friendly guide. She was very knowledgeable and informative. We learned about the history of the area and the plants and trees of the forest. We enjoyed our time and felt relaxed and comfortable. Rachel went above and beyond. She took good pictures for us and was happy to answer all our questions. She had a sandfly natural oil-repellent which we applied before walking through the forest. She also had delicious homemade cheese scones as a snack for us. Thank you Rachel for providing outstanding service and for taking us on this very beautiful tour. Very Highly recommended!" – TripAdvisor
Date of experience: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends