Hokitika - Westland, West Coast Visitor andTravel Guide

“Hokitika”
Westland District, West Coast, New Zealand.

Back in the 1860's tens of thousands of miners headed for the West Coast seeking their fortune. Hokitika soon boasted 100 hotels and grogshops, and three opera houses, a population of 4800 plus and one of the busiest ports in the country.

Hokitika Clock Tower, possibly the most iconic in New Zealand

Like the majority of the Coast settlements it was gold that brought those thousands to the region, the rush soon peaked and by 1867 the rapid decline had settled in.

Natural Hokitika

The majority of Hokitika's attractions are centered around the history and natural resources of the region. The National Kiwi Centre has the iconic kiwi and tuatara for the visitor to view up close. Feeding time for the eels is another popular event, with some of these said to be over 100 years in age.

The Hokitika beach is a great place for memorable sunsets, for the best make your way to sunset point where the Hokitika river meets the Tasman sea. Following rain or a stormy Tasman the beach is also a good place to fossick for pieces of ponamu (jade) that have been washed up.

Retail Therapy

Of course if you prefer a carved and polished piece then there are a number of outlets in the township offering a wide variety of jade (pounamu) jewellery and carvings.

While your taking that spot of retail therapy remember to check out the glass blowing and pieces at Hokitika Glass Studio and The natural gold nuggets in The Gold Room. At Ocean Paua you can watch as pounamu and paua shell are skillfuly carved to form more unique pieces.

Scenic Hokitika

The Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, An awesome area to view and explore.

Another unique attraction is the Glow Worm dell, at the northern entrance to Hokitika, best viewing is of course after sunset when you can see these unusual creatures from only a few metres.

Of course nature abounds around Hokitika, there are two beautiful Lakes and the Hokitika Gorge all within easy reach of the township. Lake Kaniere to the east is a favourite spot for boating, swimming, picnics and short walks. While Lake Mahinapua to the south is ideal for canoeing and walks in the surrounding forest.

A must visit is the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, famous for it's natural beauty and blue waters.

Wildfoods Festival
No mention of Hokitika would be complete without the Wildfoods Festival, held annually on the second Saturday of March. First begun in 1990 the festival has become so popular that tickets have had to be capped, as the award-winning event attracts visitors from all over New Zealand.