Hokitika Town

Hokitika is a charming west coast town where the wild Tasman Sea meets the lush rainforest. Its historic main street is lined with intriguing galleries and workshops, a testament to its reputation as the greenstone and arts capital of New Zealand. The air carries a tang of salt and the distant roar of the ocean, while the Hokitika River mouth offers dramatic driftwood-strewn beaches and stunning sunsets.

Highlights & What to See

• Hokitika Gorge – A short drive inland leads to this jaw-dropping turquoise gorge, with a swingbridge and walking track through native bush.
• Glow Worm Dell – Just off the highway, a free, easy walk reveals a magical display of glow worms after dark.
• National Kiwi Centre – Get up close with live kiwi, tuatara, and giant eels in this intimate conservation centre.
• Hokitika Beach & Driftwood Art – The wild beach is famous for its huge driftwood sculptures, especially at sunset.
• Shantytown Heritage Park – A living-history gold-mining village with train rides and panning (10-min drive south).
• Greenstone & Pounamu Galleries – Watch carvers at work and shop for authentic Māori pounamu jewellery.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one full day exploring Hokitika and its surrounds. Arrive by mid-afternoon to wander the main street and catch sunset on the beach. Next morning, tackle the Hokitika Gorge walk (allow 1–1.5 hours round trip) and visit the Kiwi Centre. If you have a second day, add Shantytown and a drive up to Lake Kaniere. The town works well as a stopover between Greymouth and Franz Josef.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake Kaniere – A serene, forest-fringed lake with swimming spots and easy walks, 20 minutes east.
• Ōkārito Lagoon – A vast, bird-filled wetland with kayaking and the famous Ōkārito kiwi sanctuary, 30 minutes south.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – The glacier towns are about 1.5 hours south, offering heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Spectacular layered rock formations and blowholes, 45 minutes north on the way to Greymouth.
• Greymouth – The West Coast's largest town, with brewery tours and the Monteith's heritage, 30 minutes north.

Please check official sources for current details.