Make Hokitika Your Destination Not Just A Pitstop
Every day visitors to Hokitika tell me that they wish they had known how much there was to see and do here. "We really wish we had booked to stay more than one night!" I hear this so often I thought it was time to try and create a short guide to give people an idea of what they can do and why one night if definitely not long enough.
Most visitors coming to Hokitika tend to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. They then head to their accommodation to check in or set up camp in their campervan. Some then head out to see one of the most popular attractions, get some dinner then maybe see the glow worms and head to bed. The next they leave town, off to their next destination without even scratching the surface of what there is to see and do here.
I really recommend that you stay at least two nights to give yourself a chance to see a few things and enjoy your time in Hokitika. It will also give you a chance to relax a bit, take a breath and enjoy your time rather than rushing on to the next place.
Here are a few suggestions of things to do around Hokitika
HOKITIKA GORGE
- Vivid turquoise waters, stunning rainforest bush walk. Top rated activity in Hokitika on TripAdvisor! Wheelchair accessible viewpoint overlooking a magnificent granite gorge with milky blue-green pools, backed by cliffs and fine rimu forest. Head further along to a swingbridge and then the edge of the Gorge itself. Take care as some dropoffs on the south bank are slippery. More info here: Hokitika Gorge
EXPLORE HOKITIKA BEACH
- West Coast beaches are wild and interesting places. On a calm day it is postcard perfect and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Mediterranean. However on a stormy day the sea pounds the coastline throwing up sea spray and foam and dumping huge driftwood logs onto the sand.
- Hokitika beach is a beachcombers dream. So many different types of rocks and pebbles can be found. Tourists love to collect the flat round schist stones and stack them in to towers. They also make excellent stone place mats and table runners. http://www.stonemats.com/ . These are hand made here in Hokitika and you buy direct from their shop on SH6.
- In January the Driftwood and Sand Sculpture competition takes place. The driftwood creations often stay up for months.
Feed The Giant Eels
- Guaranteed viewing of kiwi in their nocturnal house and New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the tuatara.
- Discover West Coast creatures like whitebait, crayfish and many more.
- Participate in the giant eel feedings at 10am, 12 noon & 3pm. Kiwi feed after eels at noon. Catch & release a freshwater crayfish in the indoor lake area!
- Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm in summer & 9.30am to 4.30pm in winter.
HOKITIKA GLOW WORM DELL
- The Hokitika Glow Worm Dell is located right on the highway at the northern entrance to the town. There is a small parking area at the entrance with some interpretation boards for you to read. The dell is up a short bush walk that is suitable for strollers. This activity is a real favourite of all our guests, especially the children and best of all, it is FREE!
- You can learn all about the glow worms of New Zealand here: https://teara.govt.nz/en/glow-worms/page-1
Walk Through Our Beautiful Rainforest
- Hokitika has the best selection of walks in NZ. From easy walks that wind through ancient rain forest to the beach, to more strenuous walks up steeper old goldmine areas. You can even talk a guided historical walk through the town.
- There is a walk to suit all abilities and interests.
- Click on the videos below for a taste of what is on offer.
- This link will show you a wide range of walks here in Hokitika https://hokitika.org/see/outdoors/70/Walks
Carve Your Own Pounamu (Jade) Pendant
- For many New Zealanders Pounamu, also known as NZ Jade or greenstone, is more than a souvenir – it has a treasured spiritual significance. Pounamu is found in many places on the West Coast and is prized for its strength, durability and beauty.
- There are a number of galleries selling pounamu in Hokitika, however if you would rather create a special piece that you have designed yourself, then I can personally recommend Bonz ‘n Stonz . Steve, the owner and master carver is an amazing person. Incredibly talented a great teacher and very very patient. It really doesn’t matter if you have no artistic ability at all, Steve can help you design and carve something you will be proud to wear or gift to a special person.
- You can carve your own jewellery made from genuine jade/pounamu, bone, paua shell or mother-of-pearl.
The only workshop of its kind in the country, tourists love both the fantastic experience and the opportunity to bring home a truly unique and personal memento of their trip.
A great gift idea, prices vary according to the quantity and products you use.
There is also a selection of pre-made jewellery by local artists on sale in store.
HOKITIKA HERITAGE WALK
Time: 30 min for quayside and central town features. Longer if you want to see the whole thing
Access: From i-Site & Museum, or any point along the walk.
Features: Goldrush & river-port town historic heritage sites, buildings & statues. Brochure & information panels bring history to life. Augmented reality is available in some spots so bring your smartphone and get the app. Request a brochure showing the whole walk from the Visitor i-Site.
Retail Therapy
- Our cool little town is definitely an artistic place. There are many galleries showcasing incredible photography, pounamu/jade carvings, paintings, jewelry, weaving and New Zealand made clothing for adults and children/babies.
- You can also find plenty of places to taste local delicacies such as whitebait and locally made fudge, ice-cream and honey.
- The shop directly across the road from Crooked Mile Cottage, is Ianz Art. Ian and Jan run the business and are the people to go to if you want to know about local geology, gold panning and of course copper art.
Lake Kaniere and Dorothy Falls
- At Lake Kaniere you can go for action or just kick back and relax. Surrounded by mountains and bush and only 20 minutes from Hokitika, this scenic reserve features lots of things to do.
Cool Ideas | Lake Kaniere
There is so much to do at Lake Kaniere, it is worth spending a day there. Here are some ideas.
- Boaters can enjoy water skiing and fishing for salmon, perch, rainbow and brown trout.
- Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail which goes by the lake.
- The Lake Kaniere Walkway is a beautiful walk that traverses native bush along the western shore.
- The more adventurous and fit can tackle the dayhike up Mt Tuhua or stay overnight at Mt Brown Hut.
- Do one of the best half day scenic drives around. Head to Hokitika from the lake via Dorothy Falls and the stunning Hokitika Gorge.
West Coast Scenic Waterways Cruise/Paddle
- Relax to the birdsong tranquillity as you take in the scenery; the mirror finished lake amid ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
- Enjoy freedom kayaking or a cruise aboard the Eco Adventurer. Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers. Experience majestic views of Mt.Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast flora, fauna and native rain forests.
Sunset At The Beach
Stay On A Farm - Meet The Animals
Experience an off-grid eco home, totally solar powered!. Blue Spur Farmstay is only 5 mins drive to the beach and 10 mins from the town. Meet the many farm animals, relax and take in the views of the farm and bush. Free homemade light breakfast. A friendly, real farm experience. Funky luxury, quirky, cosy and comfortable. The most eco friendly property on the West Coast.
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