About Hokitika

and the West Coast

Hokitika is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of New Zealand’s West Coast.

Hokitika is a small town located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the shores of the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by the Southern Alps, making it a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities. Hokitika lies at the mouth of the Hokitika River, which rises in the Southern Alps and flows north 40 miles to meet the Tasman Sea. The town is virtually situated on Hokitika Beach, which is marked by the iconic driftwood ‘Hokitika’ sign, while on a clear day, the summit of Mount Cook/Aoraki can be seen looming behind the town.

The town has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when gold was discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush that attracted many prospectors and settlers. Today, Hokitika is known for its arts and crafts, including greenstone and bone carving, glass blowing, and pottery, among others.

Despite it’s small size, there’s a lot to do around Hokitika and the surrounding area. From riding, walking, exploring, the West Coast is ripe for adventure.

LOCATIONS TO VISIT

The National Kiwi Centre
Town Centre Points of Interest Loop
Carnegie Building
Sunset Point
West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe
Westland Industrial Heritage Park

ACTIVITIES

Precision Helicopters
Arahura Greenstone Tours
Bonz n Stonz
Kiwi Journeys
Hokitika Swimming Pool
The Glow-Worm Dell
Hokitika Golf Club
West Coast Scenic Waterways
Hokitika’s Regent Theatre

Rides

Walks & Adventure

Jum Michel Track
Hokitika Beach Walk
Kahikatea Forest Walk
Lake Kaniere Water Race
Goldsborough / Shamrock Track
Prossers Bush Walk
Mananui Tramline / Mahinapua Walkway
Ross Water Race Walkway
Mount Brown
Whitcombe Pass Track – Tramp
Toaroha, Hokitika, Lower Whitcombe – Tramp
Hokitika History Walk
Mount Greenland

Hokitika Heritage Trail
Mananui Bush & Beach Walk
Tunnel Terrace Walk
Mt Tuhua Track
Hokitika Gorge
German Gully Pack Track & Goffs Track Loop
Dorothy Falls
Canoe Cove
Bellbird Walk
Londonderry Rock
Hokitika Heritage Trail
Swimmers Beach
Lake Kaniere Walkway

The West Coast Wilderness Trail

You’ve probably heard some wild tales about the West Coast – of rugged shorelines, intrepid journeys, sordid stories, hidden treasures… But as the Coasters will be first to tell you, “You dunno the half of it…”

Now’s the time to discover the last of the wild places and spin a yarn or two of your own, with one of the country’s smoothest, most accessible and most popular cycle trails.