Hokitika West Coast New Zealand, the cool little town

Get Inspired

Hokitika New Zealand

See & Do
- Outdoors
- Walks
- Scenic Drives
- Mountain Biking / Cycling
- Fishing
- Kayaking/Rafting
- Boating
- Hunting
- Golf
Shop
- Shop
- Arts & Crafts
- Personal Services
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Trade / Industry Services
- Other
Eat & Drink
- Eat & Drink
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Picnic Spots
Accommodation
- Locations
- Awatuna/Goldsborough
- Hokitika Town
- Hokitika Surrounds
Plan
- The Basics
- Getting Here
- Information Services
- Maps & Guides
- Weather
- Tides
- Surrounding Regions
- Arthur's Pass
- Buller
- Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
- Haast
- Christchurch & Canterbury
- Wanaka

Shop for Unique Gifts

Hokitika is full of artisans inspired by the local landscape and resources. This means it is a great place to walk around, browse the shops and find unique gifts and souvenirs.

The Gold Room

Hokitika Gorge

The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush looks too good to be true...but trust us, it is a must do natural attraction on the West Coast.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

The 132km West Coast Wilderness Trail scenery is second to none. Part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, this Grade 2 (easy) Great Ride offers choices of short half-day rides to a full four day adventure.

Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere is just 19 kms inland from Hokitika in a scenic reserve surrounded on three sides by mountains. It has great swimming, boating, walks, a picnic area, camping ground and much more.

©Shellie Evans

Art, Culture & Heritage

Experience Hokitika's colourful art, culture and heritage. Watch talented artists at work as you stroll around town or take a self guided heritage walk to learn more about the art and history of the area.

Lake Mahinapua

Tranquil Lake Mahinapua is just south of Hokitika in a scenic reserve and is a great place for a family holiday on the West Coast.

Beachside Town Centre

Hokitika offers fun-filled holidays you used to have, but with better coffee! A wild beach, no traffic lights, awesome sunsets, dramtic mountain views and night skies, artisan galleries, and great cafes and bars.

©Matty Saunders Photography

Birthplace of Pounamu

As the birthplace of pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, Hokitika is a vital stop for anyone in search of their own piece of pounamu treasure with its many arts and crafts galleries.

Get Inspired

Welcome to Hokitika

If you are visiting the West Coast on the South Island of New Zealand (and we think you should), a visit to Hokitika, the cool little town is a must do.

Why are we cool?

Hokitika is the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast. It's easy to walk around too.
You can easily experience the vibrant art, culture and heritage of Hokitika firsthand. Many artists have their workshops in town and there are numerous ways to relive the old days.
Hokitika has great bars, cafes and restaurants in town with local delicacies and good coffee on offer.
Nature is at your doorstep with mountains, rivers and beach surrounding the town. There is plenty to see and do.
Hokitika has a friendly, comfortable place for you to stay...and many are in stunning locations.
Hokitika is a great base for your wider West Coast holiday. Do day trips to Punakaiki and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
It's easy getting to Hokitika. It's only 3 hours driving from Christchurch and it is the only airport serviced by AirNZ on the West Coast.

Travel updates

The best place to get current road conditions is on the NZ Travel Agency website.

You can also get general planning information here.

Upcoming Events

There are plenty of upcoming events for the summer season.

Find out more about Hokitika events.

Current weather forecast

See what the current weather has in store. Visit our Hokitika weather page.

Drive Times & Distances

location

time

distance

Punakaiki