Hokitika Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Hokitika, located on the stunning West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, is a town that beautifully blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant artistic culture. With its breathtaking landscapes, intriguing heritage, and creative atmosphere, Hokitika offers a unique and enchanting experience for travelers seeking an authentic Kiwi adventure.

Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the wild Tasman Sea, Hokitika is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural wonders. The town serves as a gateway to the renowned Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where visitors can explore the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Embark on a guided glacier hike, witness the shimmering blue ice formations, or take a scenic flight for a bird's-eye view of this icy wonderland.

For those seeking a cultural immersion, Hokitika is a town steeped in history and heritage. Visit the Hokitika Museum, which showcases the region's gold mining past and offers insights into the lives of early pioneers. Marvel at the intricate displays of greenstone (pounamu), a precious stone of immense cultural significance to the indigenous Māori people. Discover the art of jade carving and even create your own unique piece under the guidance of local artisans.

Hokitika is also known for its thriving artistic community, with numerous galleries and workshops dotted throughout the town. Take a leisurely stroll along the Hokitika Gorge Walkway, where you'll be captivated by the turquoise waters and lush native bush. Uncover hidden treasures at the Hokitika Craft Gallery, where you can browse an array of locally made crafts, from intricate glassware to exquisite jewelry.

Indulge in Hokitika's delectable culinary scene, with a range of charming cafes and restaurants offering fresh local produce. Sample the famous West Coast whitebait delicacy or savor the delectable flavors of freshly caught seafood. Don't forget to try the town's renowned artisan chocolate, crafted using only the finest ingredients and infused with unique local flavors.

Alternative names: Population: 3.1 thous.Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°43'4"S, 170°57'50"E

Location

West CoastNew Zealand

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Hokitika Top Attractions

Hokitika Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hokitika offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Museum, St Andrew's United Church, Hokitika Clock Tower, Westland Pioneers' Memorial. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Museum
Hokitika Museum is a museum in Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand, and is the West Coast's largest museum and archive. It is housed in the historic Hokitika Carnegie Library building.
Church
St Andrew's United Church
St Andrew's United Church, previously the Scot's Memorial Church, in Hokitika, New Zealand, is a Presbyterian/Methodist United church. It is a Category I registered building on the West Coast of New Zealand.
Tower
Hokitika Clock Tower
The Hokitika Clock Tower, initially called the Westland War Memorial and then the Coronation and War Memorial, is a prominent landmark in Hokitika, New Zealand.

Monuments and statues
Westland Pioneers' Memorial
The Westland Pioneers' Memorial is a statue in Hokitika, New Zealand, commemorating the pioneer settlers of Westland. Unveiled in 1914, the statue had its right arm broken off in 2009 and was subsequently been dubbed Venus de Hokitika.
Cemetery
Hokitika Cemetery
Hokitika Cemetery, also known as Seaview Cemetery, is the cemetery for Hokitika in New Zealand. The cemetery is located on Hospital Hill Road in the suburb of Seaview on an elevated site north-east of the town, giving a good outlook over the settlement and the Tasman Sea.
Church
St Mary's Catholic Church
St Mary's Catholic Church in Hokitika, New Zealand, is a Roman Catholic church. It is a landmark on the country's West Coast.
Library
Westland District Library
The Westland District Library is the public library in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Beginning as the Hokitika Literary Society in 1866, it occupied a Carnegie library building from 1908 as the Hokitika Free Public Library, moving out in 1975.
42°43'0"S • 170°57'50"E
The National Kiwi Centre
Outdoor activities • Park • Aquarium
Nature and wildlife • Park • Bridge
West Coast Treetop Walk
The West Coast Treetop Walk is a canopy walkway through mature rimu forest near Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The tourist attraction was built by Australian eco-tourism company 'Canopy01' in 2012 and comprises a 450 metres long elevated steel walkway, viewing tower, and cantilever.
42°43'4"S • 170°57'43"E
Wilderness Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
42°43'5"S • 170°57'40"E
Hokitika Savings Bank building
The Hokitika Savings Bank building is a former bank building in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Completed in 1927, the building was granted historic place category 2 status by Heritage New Zealand in 1989.
42°43'11"S • 170°57'41"E
Hokitika Customhouse
Hokitika Customhouse is an historic building in Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The West Coast Gold Rush of 1864 established Hokitika as an important regional town and port. The first customhouse was erected on Gibson's Quay, where the current Department of Conservation annex stands, in July 1865.
42°43'7"S • 170°57'42"E
Renton Hardware building
The Renton Hardware building, also known as the Okitiki building, is a commercial building in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Completed in 1908, the building was designed by architect Arthur Griffin, who was also responsible for the nearby Carnegie library.
42°43'7"S • 170°57'40"E
West Coast Historical Museum
Museum
42°43'6"S • 170°57'40"E
Bonz 'n' Stonz
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Day trips

Hokitika – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hokitika, it's worth seeing attractions such as: History House Museum (Greymouth), Broken River Ski Area, Shantytown.

22 milesNE
History museum, Museum
History House Museum, Greymouth
History House Museum is a collection of photographic and archival records and historical objects relating to Grey District on the West Coast of New Zealand. The museum opened in the former Grey County Council Chambers in 1996, but the building was deemed unsafe in the event of an earthquake and forced to close in 2017.
46 milesSE
Winter sport, Ski area
Broken River Ski Area
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, the Broken River Ski Area is a hidden gem for snow enthusiasts. Known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning alpine scenery, this ski area offers a unique experience far from the crowded commercial resorts.
17 milesNE
Museum
Shantytown
Shantytown Heritage Park is a window into New Zealand's pioneering past, nestled on the rugged West Coast of the South Island. This living museum meticulously recreates a 19th-century gold rush town, inviting visitors to step back in time to experience the trials...
21 milesNE
Park
John Sturgeon Park, Greymouth
John Sturgeon Park, formerly called Rugby Park, is a sports ground in Greymouth, New Zealand. It is the home ground of the West Coast Rugby Football Union, and has a capacity of 6,000, although the record attendance figure of 11,000 was set in 1959, when the West Coast-Buller combined side played the touring British Isles side.
34 milesE
Hiking, Alpine hut
Temple Basin, Arthur's Pass National Park
Temple Basin is a club skifield in Arthur's Pass, in New Zealand's South Island. Operated by two clubs, the Temple Basin Ski Club, and the Canterbury University Snow Sports Club, the ski area has 3 rope tows, two on-site lodges, two shelters and a ski school and ski shop.