Art | Culture | Heritage
Hokitika blends an interesting mix of descendants of tough old pioneers, the local Maori people, a large artisan community and people who have moved here for the untamed natural wilderness and relaxed atmosphere.


Past and present Culture
At the height of the gold rushes in the 1860’s the Hokitika port was a busy place, with in excess of 40 ships alongside the wharf at any one time. It wasn't easy getting here though - the river bar entrance claiming over 100 strandings and 30 ships lost.
Before the gold rush, Maori were heading here for another precious stone - pounamu/NZ jade. Today, Hokitika probably has more galleries and artist studios per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand.




Cool Ideas | Art, Culture & Heritage
There are many ways to experience Hokitika's past and present day culture. Here are some top locals' picks.

Browse Hokitika places featuring Art, Culture & Heritage
Browse the listings below to find places featuring Hokitika's art, culture and heritage.
See & Do
Hokitika Museum Services and Research Centre
Hokitika Lantern Parade
June 2020 dates TBC
West Coast Whitebait Season
1 Sept to 14 Nov 2020 inclusive
Hokitika Junk2Funk Wearable Art Show
Sept 2020 (date TBC)
Driftwood & Sand Beach Festival
January 2021 (date TBC)
Town Centre Points of Interest Loop - Walk
LOCATION : Hokitika Town
Hokitika Heritage Walk
LOCATION : Hokitika Town
Kaniere Water Race Walkway - Walk
LOCATION : Lake Kaniere
Mananui Tramline / Mahinapua Walkway - Walk
LOCATION : Lake Mahinapua
German Gully Pack Track & Goffs Track Loop - Walk
LOCATION : Awatuna/Goldsborough
Tunnel Terrace Walk
LOCATION : Awatuna/Goldsborough
Goldsborough / Shamrock Track - Tramp
LOCATION : Awatuna/Goldsborough
Ross Water Race Walkway - Walk
LOCATION :
Ross Historic Cemetery - Walk
LOCATION :
Blue Spur Bushwalk - Walk
LOCATION : Arahura/Blue Spur
Blue Spur Tourist Drive
LOCATION : Arahura/Blue Spur
Sunset Point - Walk
LOCATION : Hokitika Beach
Londonderry Rock - Walk
LOCATION : Kumara
Rimu Lookout - Walk and Scenic Lookout
LOCATION : Rimu / Woodstock
Art & Craft
Gorge Gallery at MZ Design
Retail & Services
Take Note Hokitika Bookshop
Accommodation
Seaview Lodge & Kotuku Hostel
Teichelmann's Bed & Breakfast