Hokitika

Hokitika is a wild and wonderful West Coast town where the Tasman Sea meets lush rainforest and a fiercely independent spirit. Once a booming gold-rush port, today it's famous for its pounamu (greenstone) carving, driftwood sculptures on the beach, and the quirky Hokitika Wildfoods Festival. The town's gritty charm and dramatic sunsets make it an essential stop on any South Island road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Hokitika Gorge – A short drive inland leads to this stunning turquoise-blue gorge, with a swingbridge and walking track through native bush.
• Glow Worm Dell – Just minutes from town, a short evening walk reveals thousands of glow worms on the bank of a creek.
• National Kiwi Centre – Get up close to living kiwi, tuatara, and eels you can hand-feed.
• Hokitika Beach & Driftwood Sculptures – The iconic driftwood sign and ever-changing sculptures make for a perfect sunset stroll.
• Pounamu (Greenstone) Workshops – Watch master carvers at work and buy authentic jade jewellery at studios like Bonz 'n' Stonz or The Jade Factory.
• Hokitika Museum – Housed in a Carnegie building, it tells the story of the gold rush, Māori pounamu trade, and the town's shipwreck history.
• Lake Kaniere & Dorothy Falls – A serene lake surrounded by podocarp forest, perfect for kayaking, swimming, or a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one full day in Hokitika, which is enough to explore the gorge, see the kiwi centre, and wander the town. If you want to add a walk in the nearby Hokitika Gorge or Lake Kaniere, plan for a second morning. The glow worm dell is best visited after dark, so a late-afternoon arrival works well.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – A scenic 1.5-hour drive south, these glaciers offer heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Greymouth – 40 minutes north, gateway to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and the start of the TranzAlpine train journey.
• Arthur's Pass National Park – A spectacular mountain drive east, with alpine walks and kea encounters.
• Ross & the West Coast Goldfields – Small historic towns where you can try gold panning and see restored water races.
• Okarito Lagoon – A peaceful coastal wetland south of Hokitika, great for kayaking and birdwatching (white herons).

Please check official sources for current details.