Hokitika Town

Hokitika, a former gold rush port on the wild West Coast, is a charming town where the Tasman Sea meets lush rainforest. Known for its artistic community, greenstone (pounamu) carving, and dramatic beach sunsets, Hokitika offers a genuine slice of New Zealand's untamed west. The town's quirky wooden buildings and driftwood sculptures on the beach give it a laid-back, creative vibe.

Highlights & What to See

• Hokitika Beach & Driftwood Art – Stroll along the wild beach, famous for its ever-changing driftwood sculptures and stunning sunsets over the Tasman Sea.
• Hokitika Gorge – A short drive away, this vibrant turquoise gorge has a swingbridge and walking track through native bush – a photographer's dream.
• Glow Worm Dell – Just minutes from town, a short evening walk reveals thousands of glow worms in a damp, mossy grotto.
• West Coast Wildlife Centre – See the rare rowi kiwi and tuatara up close in a conservation setting.
• National Kiwi Centre – Another chance to view kiwi, plus eels and tuatara, in a family-friendly environment.
• Pounamu (Greenstone) Workshops – Watch local artisans carve jade or try your hand at carving a pendant in a workshop.
• Hokitika Heritage Walk – Explore historic buildings like the Carnegie Building and the Hokitika Museum, which details the gold rush era.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find one to two days ideal for Hokitika – enough to explore the gorge, beach, and wildlife centres, and to browse the galleries and cafés. If you're driving the West Coast, it's a perfect overnight stop between Greymouth and Franz Josef Glacier.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – 135 km south, a must-see for glacier walks and heli-hikes.
• Fox Glacier – 120 km south, slightly less crowded, with its own stunning ice formations.
• Greymouth – 40 km north, the West Coast's largest town, with the famous Monteith's Brewery and the start of the TranzAlpine train.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – 55 km north, incredible limestone formations and blowholes at high tide.
• Lake Kaniere – 20 km east, a serene lake with walking tracks and swimming spots.

Please check official sources for current details.