Hokitika Town

Hokitika is a classic West Coast town where the wild Tasman Sea meets a bohemian spirit. Once a gold-rush port, today it’s a laid-back hub for greenstone (pounamu) carving, wild beaches, and the famous Hokitika Gorge. The main street buzzes with galleries, craft breweries, and fish-and-chip shops, while the driftwood sculpture on the beach sets the scene for dramatic sunsets.

Highlights & What to See

• Hokitika Gorge – Electric turquoise water and a swingbridge through native forest; just a 30-minute drive east.
• Glow Worm Dell – A short, easy walk just off the highway where you can spot glow worms after dark.
• National Kiwi Centre – Get up close with kiwi, tuatara, and eels; feeding sessions are a hit.
• Hokitika Beach & Driftwood Sign – The iconic driftwood ‘HOKITIKA’ sign is perfect for photos, especially at sunset.
• Pounamu (Greenstone) Workshops – Watch local carvers at work and buy authentic jade jewellery along Revell Street.
• West Coast Wilderness Trail – Cycle or walk sections of this scenic trail through wetlands and historic gold-mining sites.
• Lake Kaniere – A serene lake with swimming spots, kayaking, and the Dorothy Falls walk nearby.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring Hokitika and its surrounds, though an overnight stay lets you enjoy the glow worms and a relaxed evening. If you’re passing through on the drive between Franz Josef and Greymouth, allow at least 2–3 hours for the gorge and a stroll through town. For cyclists tackling the Wilderness Trail, plan a half-day to a full day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – An hour south, these glaciers offer heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Greymouth – 40 minutes north, with the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki a further 30 minutes north.
• Ross – A tiny gold-rush town with a historic cemetery and the ‘Empress of the West’ goldmine tour.
• Okarito – A peaceful lagoon town with kayaking and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
• Arthur’s Pass National Park – About 2 hours east, offering alpine hikes and the Otira Viaduct.

Please check official sources for current details.