Hokitika Gorge Water Temperature Today
Hokitika Gorge, a gorge and plunge-pool swim spot in West Coast, New Zealand. The water runs cold all year, so most swimmers wear a wetsuit, and is cold but ice-free in winter.
In August Hokitika Gorge averages about 7°C, peaking near 15°C in January, February, March and dropping to roughly 7°C at its coldest.
River and swimming-hole temperatures are modelled from long-term monthly averages and refined with live air temperature, wind and UV. Moving water reacts faster to the weather than a lake or the sea.
Hokitika Gorge water temperature by month
| Month | Average water temperature | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14.5°C | cool |
| February | 15.0°C | mild |
| March | 14.5°C | cool |
| April | 13.0°C | cool |
| May | 11.0°C | cool |
| June | 9.0°C | cold |
| July | 7.5°C | cold |
| August | 7.0°C | cold |
| September | 7.5°C | cold |
| October | 9.0°C | cold |
| November | 11.0°C | cool |
| December | 13.0°C | cool |
Hokitika Gorge swim conditions FAQ
What is the water temperature in Hokitika Gorge right now?
In August the water in Hokitika Gorge averages about 7°C. We refine that long-term average with today's air temperature, because this gorge responds quickly to the weather.
When is the best time to swim in Hokitika Gorge?
Water here stays below 18°C all year, peaking near 15°C in January, February, March. Most swimmers use a wetsuit and keep swims short.
Can you swim in Hokitika Gorge in winter?
Yes, but winter temperatures drop to roughly 7°C. Below 12°C, cold-water shock is the main risk: enter slowly, never swim alone, and limit time in the water.
Is Hokitika Gorge safe for swimming?
Moving and inland water carries different risks from the sea: check flow after rain, avoid weirs and undercut banks, look for submerged rocks before jumping, and respect local access rules and water-quality notices.
Water safety tips
- Check the flow rate after heavy rain — inland water can rise and speed up within hours.
- Never jump before checking depth and submerged rocks; levels change through the season.
- Enter slowly to control cold-water shock, and get out before you start shivering.
- Swim with someone else and agree an exit point downstream before you start.
- Gorge pools stay in shade and run several degrees colder than nearby open water.
Swim season here: cold-water swimming all year.