JOIN US AS WE LIGHT UP HOKITIKA THIS JULY!
Hokitika comes alive this July with Midwinter Magic — a month-long celebration of light, creativity, culture and connection. With sparkling lights illuminating our Cool little Town and warm and cosy spaces to enjoy activities and fun events, Hokitika is the place to be this winter.
At the heart of celebrations is an immersive event on 11th July at Hokitika's Regent Theatre, which will be illuminated with a creative light show alongside cultural performances in celebration of Matariki and Hokitika's rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting or rediscovering your hometown, Midwinter Magic is about bringing people together to celebrate the magic of midwinter in Hokitika.
Shop local or Stay 2+ nights or more throughout July and to be in to win a Magical weekend away in Hokitika.

WIN A MAGICAL WEEKEND IN HOKITIKA
Prizes include:
- Return travel for two on the Tranzalpine Train with Great Journeys
- Two nights accommodation at Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Hotel
- Dining at Clocktower Cafe
- Dining at The Hokitika Sandwich Company
- Family Pass for West Coast Treetop Walkway
- Family Pass for The National Kiwi Centre and Aquarium
- Family Pass for Hokitika's Regent Theatre
- Family Pass for Gold Panning at Polish & Pan

EVENT SCHEDULE
1-31 july
Frozen Themed Children's Treasure Hunt
Art Walk - self guided
Children's Art Walk/Treasure Hunt
Heritage Walk - self guided
Details available from the Hokitika isite
Cosy Reads with Westland District Library - For more info, click here
Wednesdays (July)
Westland Industrial Heritage Park Tours
10am – 3pm
Individual or small group tours available
Phone: 027 629 1935
For more info, click here
Saturday 4 July
10:30am – 11:30am
Coach House Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Stage coaches, blacksmithing and Westland’s early heritage
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Interactive Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Featuring sewing machines, weaving, dairy machines, blacksmithing, stagecoaches and fire engines.
Trains run at Westland Industrial Heritage Parkevery Saturday and during the school holidays on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting)
For more info, click here
Tuesday 7 July
10:30am - 11:30am
DIY Paper Snowflakes at Westland District Library. No rego required, children under 8yrs must be supervised by a caregiver
For more info, click here
Wednesday 8 July
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Interactive Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Featuring sewing machines, weaving, dairy machines, blacksmithing, stagecoaches and fire engines.
Trains run at Westland Industrial Heritage Park every Saturday and during the school holidays on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting).
For more info, click here
Thursday 9th July
10am - 11am
Matariki Melody Maker Session at WestREAP
12pm - 2pm
Matariki Art and Craft at WestREAP
5pm - 6pm
Family Winter Tales at Westland District Library - hot cocoa and nibbles supplied. No rego required, children under 8yrs must be supervised by a caregiver
For more info, click here
Friday 10 July
1pm – 3pm
Trains Running at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
5pm – 8pm
Train of Lights – Night Ride at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
For more info, click here
Saturday 11 July
10:30am – 11:30am
Maritime Centre Talk & Museum of Fire Talk at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
With Rob Daniel, lifelong maritime enthusiast, and Ian Gilbertson, former Hokitika Fire Brigade member
For more info, click here
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Interactive Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Featuring sewing machines, weaving, dairy machines, chainsaws, blacksmithing, stagecoaches and fire engines.
Trains run at Westland Industrial Heritage Park every Saturday and during the school holidays on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting).
2pm
Big Engine Start-Up at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Puanga-Matariki Light Up Hokitika event
Check back soon for more details
For more info, click here
Sundays in July
10am – 2pm
Trains Running at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
For more info, click here
Tuesday 14th July
10:30-11:30
Decorate a photo frame at Westland District Library. No rego required, children under 8yrs must be supervised by a caregiver
For more info, click here
Wednesday 15 July
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Interactive Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Featuring sewing machines, weaving, dairy machines, chainsaws, blacksmithing, stagecoaches and fire engines
Trains run every Saturday and during the school holidays at Westland Industrial Heritage Park on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting)
For more info, click here
Thursday 16 July
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Disney Movies Mega Quiz at Westland District Library. No rego required, children under 8yrs must be supervised by a caregiver
For more info, click here
Saturday 18 July
10:30am – 11:30am
Heritage Craft Centre Talk at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
with Maria Martin-Smith, artist, crafter and restorer.
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Children’s Interactive Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
Featuring sewing machines, weaving, dairy machines, chainsaws, blacksmithing, stagecoaches and fire engines.
Trains run at Westland Industrial Heritage Park every Saturday and during the school holidays on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting)
For more info, click here
tuesday 21 July
7pm - 9pm
Carnivorous Plant Society
Live at Hokitika's Regent Theatre
For more info, click here
Saturday 25 July
10:30am – 11:30am
Railway Tour at Westland Industrial Heritage Park
hosted by Bruce Hackett, model railway enthusiast.
Please note: You will need to walk approximately 700m on reasonably even ground. If wet, the Coach House Talk will run instead
Trains run at Westland Industrial Heritage Park every Saturday and during the school holidays on Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm (weather permitting)
For more info, click here
Saturday 25 July & sunday 26 july
Heritage Weekend - check back soon for more details
Stay 2+ Nights and Win
Book your accommodation now for 2 or more nights at a paid accommodation provider in Hokitika in July and enter to win a Magical Weekend in Hokitika plus the chance to win spot prizes
entries open 1st to 31st July 2026
t&c apply
Shop Local and Win
Shop Local at any participating store in Hokitika from 1-31 July and spend $25+ and enter to win a Magical Weekend in Hokitika plus the chance to win spot prizes
entries open 1st to 31st July 2026
t&c apply
Deals and Discounts
Light Up Hokitika
Hokitika is set to shine for Midwinter Magic this July
Visit the Cool little Town and vote for your favourite Light Up Hokitika display
Voting opens 1st to 31st July 2026




















