Cool Little Town

Hokitika Lantern Festival
2025-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Custom House, Gibson Quay, Hokitika
Join us for the Annual Hokitika Lantern Parade

Assemble at Custom House at 6pm on Friday 6th June and join the lantern walk to Hokitika Beach

You will notice a few changes this year:

We have teamed up with The Hokitika Community Trust, Creative communities Grant and WestREAP to provide a even better and more sustainable event.

We will meet at the custom house just before sunset and walk along the Warf to our bonfire and food stalls. You will enjoy some light sculptures along the way, created by the Hokitika Community Trust and our Lantern Workshops.

At the bonfire we will be selling Sweet and Savory treats to raise funds for the WestREAP Supported Learning programs in Hokitika and Greymouth. Bring your spare change and EFTPOS will be available

Lake Kaniere Powerboat Day
2025-06-07 12:00 - 16:40 | Lake Kaniere, Lake Kaniere, Hokitika
Maritime New Zealand has reserved an area near Hans Bay for this power boating club race-training day. The Hans Bay boat ramps will be closed during the above period, and an area of lake between Canoe Cove and Rose Creek, as shown on a sign at the Sunny Bight ramp during the event.

Mai Te Uira - Tiki Taane
2025-06-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Mai Te Uira – Tiki Taane – Hokitika’s Regent Theatre
One of New Zealand’s best known musicians, producers, and innovators, Tiki Taane (Ngāti Maniapoto) and multidisciplinary artist Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa) have joined forces to merge their two worlds together to create a brand new performance experience – Mai Te Uira.
Tiki Taane (Ngāti Maniapoto), vocals, guitar & taonga puoro
Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa), multidisciplinary artist
To much acclaim, Mai Te Uira was premiered in Koraunui Stokes Valley in 2023, and is grounded in a karakia that references the atua and the whakapapa of our art forms and explores how innovation can be transformative when we open our minds to new ways of thinking.
Told through the stories of three atua – Te Uira, the atua of lightning and new connections like technology, digital culture, and cyberspace; Tānemahuta, a creator himself, providing us with our own capability and capacity to create; and Hine-te-Iwaiwa, whose strength we seek when searching for knowledge to give, receive, and connect – this creative collaboration of music and digital animation reflects the transmission of knowledge and cements ancestral relationships.
Created to be performed within community spaces, Mai Te Uira will be presented for local schools and community groups during the day and ticketed audiences at night.
This creative collaboration is presented as a result of a unique partnership between The Dowse Art Museum and Chamber Music New Zealand.

Salmonella Dub Soundsystem + guests
2025-07-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Salmonella Dub Soundsystem
Featuring Whirimako Black, Mighty Asterix + Sal Dub Horns
At the Hokitika Regent Theatre – May 31st -doors 8pm
“We love the coast! And after last year’s show we were looking for any excuse to come back to play the Regent.
This year we bring more new releases starting with Look For Gold ft, Whirimako Black. By the time we get to Hoki we will have a new album ready and will begin launching the remastered re-issue of our entire back catalogue.” – Andrew Dj Rude Boy

Red Heavens
2025-08-31 19:00 - 21:00 | The Old Lodge Theatre, 11 Revell Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Red Heavens

From Stromboli to D’Urville Island,

Martine Baanvinger, from the solo shows ‘Solitude’ and ‘Aperture’, brings another powerful, dynamic and passionate solo show to the stage. ‘Red Heavens’ portrays the true story of Angelina Moleta, an Italian pioneering immigrant on D’Urville Island, whose fate is intertwined with the forces of nature and her deep connection with Wetekia Ruruku Elkington, a high-born Māori woman. Growing up on the active volcanic island of Stromboli, she is betrothed to her cousin who brings her, in the year 1906, to the even more remote D’Urville Island in the Marlborough Sounds. Through hardship and an unlikely friendship, she grows into womanhood and motherhood. This bitter and beautiful tale is inspired by the book Angelina by New Zealand author Gerard Hindmarsh who wrote the book about his grandmother.

‘Red Heavens’ has successfully toured over 30 shows throughout New Zealand in 2024 with Arts on Tour. Now the show will tour one more time around the south island.

Tickets from : https://events.humanitix.com/red-heavens-yws3uwhk

or cash at the door

Reviews from audiences around New Zealand:

“Martine is one of the most highly accomplished producers and performers in the country. Every solo show has been a hit from ‘Solitude’ to ‘Aperture’ about Ans Westra, and the recent ‘Red Heavens.” Steve Thomas – Arts on Tour Aotearoa NZ

“Martine’s exceptional portrayal of my great-grandmother, Angelina Moleta, left me in tears so many times. What an incredibly moving performance by such a talented actress. Red Heavens is touring the country now, so if you see it in a town or city near you, it’s a must-see!” Nina Hindmarsh

“Martine’s show took me through 90 minutes of profoundly deep emotions – from sorrow to laughter, from anguish to delight. She is going from strength to strength as a performer, and she is working with beautiful material.” Charlotte Squire, writer and musician.

“Martine is so clever to have created such an incredible masterpiece and her ability to portray it all in such a simplistic yet engaging setting was honestly awe inspiring. My Mum said it was “world class” (and she has seen a fair few plays over the years!).” – Sunneva Stocker

“Martines performance makes you feel as if you’ve transported into a really good book.. I was captivated from start to finish, this woman is a true artiste, I’ve never known one person to hold my attention for 90 minutes in such a profound way.” Claire French, Wonder-Full

Full Moon Eclipse - Silent Day Retreat
2025-09-07 07:30 - 20:30 | Greenstone Retreat Kumara, 45 Greenstone Road, Kumara, Westland, 7832, New Zealand
Greenstone Retreat
Full Moon Eclipse – Silent Day Retreat
Yoga, Meditation, Sound Healing, Walking/Mindfulness
Sunday 7th September 2025
7.30am to 8.30pm

Lawrence Arabia
2025-09-18 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
It’s been six years since he last released an album and, like Richard Prebble before him, Lawrence Arabia’s been thinking.
When songwriters think, often the result is songs. It’s time to bring out some of these new thought babies from the writing suite and expose them to the light; let them photosynthesise and become real and alive in the world.
The Silver Scroll, Taite and Tūī winning artist brings his engaging show of (new and old) songs and talk, accompanied by guitar and keys, to Hokitika’s Regent Theatre.

ALBI & THE WOLVES
2025-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Award winning folk troubadours Albi & The Wolves have signed with Fresh Music Booking (Poland) to debut in Europe and the United Kingdom next year. But they need your help. So, they are doing what they do best by hitting the road for 17, that’s right 17, shows up and down the country. Big and small. Warkworth to Dunedin. It’s an incredible opportunity for the band, and you can be a part of it by simply spreading the word and showing up to the Fun-Raiser Tour.
Albi & The Wolves rebel against AI, as for them music and life is all about being present in the moment, so leave your phone at home and enjoy something real. Chris Dent, the proud albino frontman, leads the band. His visual impairment and striking appearance do not detract at all from his command of the audience or the strength of his voice. Pascal Roggen is renowned for his skill on the violin, and the physicality of his performance. It is not every day that you see someone run across the room while playing stunningly at the same time, but he’ll do it at almost every show. Micheal Young and Hannah De Koster somehow bind the energy together with slick grooves or thunderous train beats on double bass and drums. Together they have one of the most uplifting and joyous live performances you can see right now.
The show a vessel for relatable alternative folk songs. Songs of love, life, and laughing when no matter what you do, sometimes things go terribly wrong.
Albi & The Wolves have won Best Folk Artist for their debut album One Eye Open, have collaborated with EDM giants Mt Eden Dubstep, have jammed with Sir Dave Dobbyn in the Radio Hauraki studio, performed at WOMAD NZ, played on Stewert Island, written music for Tami Neilson and have been to shy too play it to her, performed live on Cook Islands Television News, took a 12 person crew on the road for their Light After The Dark album launch and so much more.
This is their call for support! Let’s help Albi & The Wolves share their fiery take on folk with the rest of the world!

https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/ticket/29731/The-Fun-Raiser-Tour-with-Albi-And-The-Wolves.utr

Pike River Film + Q&A
2025-10-22 18:00 - 21:30 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Join director Rob Sarkies and special guests Sonja Rockhouse and Anna Osborne for a early screening of Pike River with a Q&A

Curl Up & Die!!!
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-08 | The Old Lodge Theatre, 11 Revell Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Curl Up & Die!!!
Dramatic Society Dinner Theatre: Oct 30-Nov1, then Nov 5-8
We invite you to join us for another entertaining & hilarious evening at our annual dinner theatre. Either show only, or come for a 3-course meal with show.
Set in a tired hair dressing salon hear the sad tale of hte owner as she tries to bring her salon into the 21st Century.
Enjoy the show while dining on a delightful 3-course meal, or you can choose the show on Oct 30 with no meal.
Tickets are on sale now at the Regent Theatre, Hokitika. Please remember to provide any meal restrictions when booking.
Show Dates: Oct 30th: Show starts at 7pm: $30 (no meal)
Oct 31st, Nov 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th: $65. 3-course meal and show. Please be seated by 6.30pm.

Cocktails & Culprits - A Halloween Night of Murder, Mystery and Cocktails!
2025-10-31 18:30 - 22:30 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Are you looking for a fabulous girls night out? Then why not join us for…..
Cocktails & CulpritsA Halloween Fundraiser Like No Other!
Hosted by Gymnastics Hokitika
31 October 2025 6:30PM The Green Room, located at Hokitika’s Regent TheatreStep back in time to 1961 and immerse yourself in an evening of glamour, mystery, and murder
Join a room full of the world’s hottest celebrities — but beware, one of them is hiding a deadly secret. Will you solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Tickets: $50 – Includes a themed cocktail or mocktail on arrival and light refreshments throughout the night.
Dress to impress in your best vintage celebrity glamour – it’s all part of the mystery!
Limited tickets available! Message us now or email hokitika.gymnastics@gmail.com to secure your spot.
This event is strictly R18
All proceeds go toward supporting Gymnastics Hokitika Bring your sleuthing skills, your sparkle, and your sense of adventure!

GISH
2025-11-06 19:00 - 23:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Comedy icon GISH is back with a brand-new show! For over 20 years, GISH has been one of New Zealand’s most beloved comedians, famous for his outrageous parodies that mix six strings with dodgy things. Get ready for a night where no song is safe.
Joining him is Canadian freestyle sensation Jesse Firebrand — a razor-sharp musical comedian who’s been tearing through the Australian scene with lightning-fast improvisation comedy songs. There’s nobody in New Zealand doing what Jesse does, and you’ll see why he’s one to watch.
Your host for the night is Anthony Wilson, an Auckland-based comic and crowd favourite who’s performed across Aotearoa, Australia, and the UK. With quick wit, polished storytelling, and pub-worthy tales, he’ll keep the show rolling. We’ll also have a special guest on the night.
Tickets will go fast. Grab yours now and spread the word!

SHADES OF SHAKTI
2025-11-13 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Shades of Shakti are an intercultural group of musicians bridging the gap between traditional Indian music, classical music and Jazz. Their performance mesmerises audiences through the intricacy of the musical interplay, the propulsive energy of their melodies, the excitement of their rhythms, and the overall interconnectedness of all the performers on stage. Since debuting at the Wellington Jazz Festival in 2018, Shades of Shakti have captivated audiences across New Zealand, including standing ovations at the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Hawkes Bay Arts Festival, and shows across the country.
The collaboration seeks to bring communities together and celebrate human diversity through music, their concerts present an impressive repertoire of original compositions, traditional Indian Ragas, and music from Ravi Shankar’s legendary “East Meets West” album, and also quintessential works from John McLaughlin’s Grammy Award-winning “Shakti”, from which the group drew initial inspiration.

Ride the Wilderness
2025-11-15 | Westland
Four magnificent ride options to choose from and the opportunity to see the West Coast beauty. Four events, lots of categories:
The Epic – Ross to Greymouth – 132km
The Challenge – Hokitika to Greymouth – 95km
The Classic -Cowboy Paradise to Greymouth – 59km
The Cruise – Kumara to Greymouth – 21km
For more info, and to enter visit: www.ridethewilderness.co.nz
If you are planning to ride the trail on this day but not as part of the event please check out the latest information on the timing of the race at the various locations here. We encourage all riders on the trail at the same time as the event to ride in the south to north direction.

Community Christmas Concert
2025-11-21 18:30 - 21:30 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Our Annual Community Christmas Concert will be Friday 21 November at Hokitika Regent Theatre, We have a full programme including St Mary’s School and Hokitika Primary school performances. Allen Bryant residents and staff will again be present, as will Westland Medical centre for our annual comedy performance! Tickets are $5 available at the Regent. We strongly advise you buy in advance!

Evolve Wellbeing Market
2025-11-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Greenstone Retreat Kumara, 45 Greenstone Road, Kumara, Westland, 7832, New Zealand
Evolve Wellbeing Market – Greenstone Retreat, Kumara
Sunday 23rd November 2025 – 10am to 3pm
Crystals, soaps, natural remedies, jewelry, art, crafts, vegetables, plants, preserves, clothes, 2nd hand goods, Community, food, workshops, cacao, healers, music & more
Stall holders $20-$25 per table to be booked in advance by email to Greenstoneretreat@outlook.com

Roman Rudnytsky in concert
2025-11-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
We’re delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed concert pianist Roman Rudnytsky to Hokitika for a special one-night-only recital.
A graduate of New York’s prestigious Juilliard School, Roman has performed in over 100 countries, dazzling audiences with his artistry, precision, and passion. The American pianist of Ukrainian heritage has been a prizewinner in ten major international competitions and has appeared as a soloist with orchestras worldwide, performing over 45 different piano concertos.
His storied career has taken him everywhere from concert halls across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific to guest performances with Cunard and P&O Cruises. A respected educator, Roman is Professor Emeritus at Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music and has served as Artist-in-Residence at leading universities in the USA, Australia, and Canada.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s great pianists live in Hokitika.

Hokitika Christmas Market 2025
2025-11-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Seaview Community Hall, Seaview, Hokitika, Westland
With over 70 stalls booked and counting there is something for everyone.

Paul Ubana Jones
2025-11-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Paul Ubana Jones – at the Hokitika Regent Theatre – 28th November 2025
Since his 1987 arrival in New Zealand, Paul Ubana Jones has recorded nine albums, been awarded three New Zealand Music Awards, and has successfully taken his unique style of acoustic music to global heights.
An intimate soulful performer, an acoustic guitar sensation, winner of three New Zealand Music Awards.
Paul has shared the stage and toured with the best: BB King, Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Crowded House, Tuck and Patti… He has delighted festival audiences at the Dublin Blues Festival, Byron bay Blues festival, Vancouver Island Folk Festival, Blues at Bridgetown and many others in Europe.

“A national treasure; Paul Ubana Jones is so much more than one man with a
guitar. He is a conjuror of unique and original songs, rooted in primal Blues and Soul”
“The most exciting Electro Acoustic Artist to visit our shores”
Good Morning News, Santa Monica

Jazmine Mary
2025-11-30 | Hokitika Regent Theatre, 23 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Anticipating the swirl of emotions Jonathan Richman once identified as “that summer feeling”, Jazmine Mary will be soon be gracing stages across Aotearoa on their Hot Sad Summer Tour. The award-winning songwriter released their third studio album I Want To Rock And Roll to instant acclaim via Flying Nun Records earlier this year — arranged / recorded with Dave Khan, Arahi, Louisa Nicklin, Cass Basil and Cello Forrester (Womb) — reaching wide audiences via a live performance on the 7 Days comedy game show and as as part of supergroup Atomic 2.0, with fellow luminaries Julia Deans, Boh Runga, Dianne Swann, and Vera Ellen. Performing in duo formation for most of the upcoming tour, except for the concluding gig at Leigh Sawmill Cafe which will showcase the glory of their full band, don’t miss Jazmine Mary at the following dates…

John Machejefski Memorial Race - 32km Graded Scratch on Old Christchurch Road
2025-12-06 12:30 - 17:00 | Westland
Graded Scratch Race – 32km, there and back to the end of the seal, starting and finishing at Arahura Marae.
Meet outside the Marae at 12.30pm. Race start 1pm.
Following racing:– Prize Giving at Pioneer Hotel, Hokitika.

Hokitika Christmas Parade
2025-12-12 18:30 - 22:00 | Hokitika
Our theme for this years Christmas Parade is “From around the world”Friday 12 December, starting at 6.30pm

Christmas Eve Train Rides
2025-12-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Westland Industrial Heritage Park, 9 Brian Waugh Lane, Hokitika, Westland, 7810, New Zealand
Santa Claus will be taking a break from checking his lists and will be attending the Christmas Eve train rides at Westland Industrial Heritage Park. Rides are $2 and are weather dependent. Come and join us from 5pm-7pm Christmas Eve.

Aratuna Freighters Xmas Tournament
2025-12-27 12:00 - 17:00 | Hokitika Golf Club, 206 Golf Links Road, Hokitika
Hokitika Golf Club
Aratuna Freighters Annual Xmas Stableford Tournament
$30 entry fee
plus 2s 3 men’s grades if sufficient and 1 ladies grade
Hokitika Golf Club, one of only 9 true links golf courses in New Zealand, only 3 mins from townGreen fees are $40 per player for 18 holes and $20 per player for 9 holesFor club hire call 022 465 0231 to arrange prior to your round ⛳️

New Year's Eve Treasure Hunt with the Red Moki from Hoki
2025-12-31 14:00 - 15:00 | weld lane steps, 104/36 Beach Street, Hokitika 7810, hokitika, New Zealand
Ahharrrr Me Hearties! Get ready for another rollickin’ adventure with me and me dear old Mum on New Year’s Eve! Meet at the Weld Lane steps on Hokitika Beach at 2pm on Wed 31 December 2025! Dress as a Pirate or else! We’re gonna be rich!!

Heritage Hokitika Summer Series
2026-01-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Hokitika
Save the date for the Heritage Hokitika Summer series in January and February.

Saturday 10th January 10am to 1pm – Hokitika Regent Theatre
Saturday 17th January 10am to 1pm – Ross Heritage Centre
Saturday 24th January 10am to 1pm Guided Museum Tours – Hokitika Museum
Saturday 24th January 1pm Walking History Tour of Hokitika Township
Saturday 31st January 10am to 1pm – Seddon Trail (inlcudes drive through Waimea to Karamea stopping at points of interest from King Dick’s life)
Saturday 7th February 10am to 1pm – Westland Industrial Heritage ParkJoin in on all of these Saturday morning events or pick and choose one or two to suit yourself.The Heritage Park event is on Saturday 7th February.

Updates and or postponements will be featured on the Heritage Hokitika fb page. https://www.facebook.com/share/16TSkqVYmh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Joy of the West (social cycle ride) - Lake Kaniere Loop, 64km
2026-01-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Clocktower Cafe, 41 Weld Street, Hokitika, Westland
Joy of the West – Club Ride around Lake Kaniere Loop
Meet: 9am, Clocktower Cafe (to do cafe type things before we set off)Start riding: 9.30amRoute: anti-clockwise around Lake Kaniere (out via Kokatahi, gravel road section behind the lake to Hans Bay, back to Hokitika, to a cafe… Distance is approx. 64km.Pace: to suit the group

Heritage Hokitika Summer Series
2026-01-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Ross Heritage Centre, 4 Aylmer Street, Ross, 7812

Driftwood & Sand Beach Art Festival, Hokitika
2026-01-21 09:00 - 2026-01-25 15:00 | Hokitika Beach, Beach Street, Hokitika, Westland, New Zealand
The dates for Driftwood & Sand 2026 are now set! Book your travel now to be in Hokitika 21-25 Jan 2026. If you want to see the beach sculptures at their best, make sure you’re here for the final day and prizegiving on Sunday 25 Jan. See you then!

West Coast Kahawai Fishing Competition 2026
2026-01-24 05:00 - 18:00 | kaniere Hotel, 289 Kaniere Road, Hokitika, Westland
Brought to you by Wild Outdoorsman – Fishing & Firearms & The Kaniere Empire HotelFishing • BBQ • Great Yarns | 12 Years Running!
Get ready for one of the Coast’s favourite summer events! The annual West Coast Kahawai Fishing Competition is back for its 12th year on Saturday, 24th January 2026 — and it’s set to be our biggest one yet. Bring the whole family along for an epic day of fishing, fun, and huge prizes!
Over $35,000 Worth of Prizes to Be Won!
Major Spot Prizes
Stacks of Spot Prizes
Massive Heaviest Fish Prizes
1st, 2nd & 3rd Places for Both Adults & Juniors
Even if you don’t land a fish… you could still land a prize!
Competition Rules
• Fish anywhere on the West Coast• One Kahawai per person• Kahawai must be bled, gilled & gutted• Be safe, look after your mates, and most importantly — have fun!
Weigh-In & Prizegiving
6:00pm, Saturday 24th January Kaniere Empire HotelStick around after the weigh-in for an awesome evening of prizegiving, BBQ, and good yarns.
Entry Details
Entries open: 9am, Monday 22nd DecemberEntry closes: 5pm, Friday 23rd January*Entries capped at 500 — get in quick!
Entry Costs
Kids: $10
Adults: $30
Entry Forms Available From
• Wild Outdoorsman — 28 Tancred St, Hokitika | 03 755 8947• Fishing & Firearms — 63 Tainui St, Greymouth | 03 768 0206• Kaniere Hotel — 289 Kaniere Road, Hokitika | 03 755 8443
Huge thank you to our continued sponsors!
Wild OutdoorsmanFishing And FirearmsKaniere HotelHoki HireHokitika TownchipWestland Upholstry NZDelore Electrical & Heatpumps LimitedRag Knives HokitikaWestland Engineering SuppliesThe Warehouse – GreymouthWest Op LTD HokitikaAitkens AgenciesSpeight’sMonteithsLion Brown BreweriesSeahorse KontikiBernsportComposite DevelopmentPure fishing New ZealandBlack Magic TackleCameron Outdoors LtdOutdoor OutfittersSpikaStoney Creek NZHunters ElementOutdoor Sports NZSwaziSwanndriBrittain Wynyard & Co LimitedSR Marston & Co LimitedFishing & leisureTight Lines LtdKilwell SportsTacklemanBene FootwearMerrellKnifekutAmpro New ZealandCompanion BrandsSvord KnivesThe Fishing PaperBeretta New ZealandBobo ProductsNioa New ZealandLonely TrackParamoMountain AdventureThe Fishing Paper
