Hokitika Wild Food Festival

Once a year, the small West Coast town of Hokitika erupts into a celebration of the weird, the wonderful, and the downright wriggly at the Hokitika Wild Food Festival. This is not your average food festival – think huhu grubs, mountain oysters, and chocolate-covered crickets. Set against the wild backdrop of the Tasman Sea, the festival is a sensory overload of live music, quirky competitions, and the chance to taste things you never thought you'd eat. It's a true Kiwi oddity that's as much about community spirit as it is about culinary curiosity.

Highlights & What to See

• Wild Food Tastings: Sample everything from honey-fried wasp larvae to whitebait fritters. The brave can try the infamous 'Mountain Oyster' (lamb testicles) or a live huhu grub.
• Wildfoods Competition: Watch contestants compete in events like the 'Gorse Eating' or 'Worm Eating' contest – it's as bizarre as it sounds.
• Live Music & Entertainment: Local and national bands keep the energy high across multiple stages, with a lively, carnival-like atmosphere.
• Arts & Crafts Market: Browse stalls selling pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, local art, and West Coast crafts – a perfect souvenir.
• The Setting: Held on the Hokitika Recreation Ground, right by the beach, so you can take a breather and watch the wild West Coast waves.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day – the festival usually runs from mid-morning until late evening. Arrive early to beat the crowds and pace yourself through the tastings. Most visitors find that a single day is plenty to soak up the weirdness, enjoy the music, and try a few adventurous bites. If you're staying overnight, book accommodation well in advance as the town fills up fast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika Gorge: A short drive inland, this stunning turquoise gorge offers a short walk and a swingbridge – a serene contrast to the festival frenzy.
• Glowworm Dell: Just north of Hokitika, a magical spot where glowworms light up the bush after dark – best visited at night.
• Lake Kaniere: A beautiful lake surrounded by native forest, perfect for a swim or kayak – about 20 minutes from town.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers: About 1.5 hours south, these iconic glaciers are a must-see for any West Coast itinerary.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Head north to see the famous layered rock formations and blowholes – a dramatic coastal stop.

Please check official sources for current details.