Play on one of New Zealand’s few true links courses at Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island with views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the majestic Southern Alps.
A Working Machinery Museum. Family friendly with free entry. Open most days. Engine Startup and Open Days Third Saturday of the month. A group of dedicated volunteers restoring artifacts from Westland’s Industrial past to running condition for public display. Allow an hour to visit to enjoy the collection.
Each year to celebrate the shortest day/longest night a parade of lanterns makes it way along the Hokitika River. A beautiful event with a bonfire on the beach to finish. Meet at the Custom house 5:30pm. Lantern making workshops available beforehand. Sausage sizzle and hot drinks available as a fundraiser for Playcentre. Details here.
A fun competition where participants create art and fashion using recycled content. Create a wearable garment for the SprinG! fashion show or a single accessory for "Gone Fishing..." exhibition. Multiple prize categories. Facebook Page
Each year, local retailers reward their loyal customers with a Shop Here & Win prize draw. Make a purchase in any outlet displaying the Shop Here & Win flyer and you're in with multiple chances to WIN!!! Each business will draw a winner and every entry will also be in the draw to win the main prize package.
Every year, local retailers bring their wares onto the streets for a festive Retailer's Market Day. A day of deals, live entertainment and fun. Browse and find that unique gift for Christmas.
The annual Christmas parade is always a good day out. Join our community in celebrating the festive season.
A fun annual event on the beach to celebrate Christmas. Features food, family fun, games and live music. The big bearded fella Santa will call in for a lollie scramble and some photos too.
The annual Interislander Summer Festival event at the Hokitika Gallops are sure to be a great way to unwinde with friends and family after Christmas. There is plenty of exciting harness racing action on-course, great entertainment for the whole family including 'Fashion in the Field'.
A good old-fashioned country horse race meeting. The main race, the Kumara Gold Nuggets boasts a real gold nugget as the prize. This is a fantastic family day out and draws a huge crowd to soak up the entertainment and carnival atmosphere. There is something for everyone – betting booths, fantastic races, best dressed competitions, live music, candyfloss and even clowns.
An annual fishing competition. Fish anywhere on the West Coast with spot prizes and heaviest fish prize to be won. The weigh in is at 6pm 20th Jan at the Kaniere Empire Hotel. Entry is Kids $5, Adults $15 and can be gotten at Wild Outdoorsman and Kaniere Empire Hotel in Hokitika and Fishing & Firearms Greymouth. More information here.
"Driftwood and Sand" for short, is a summer celebration of art on the Hokitika beach. Held annually in late January, participants are invited to express themselves using any materials they find on the beach. And the beach provides some amazing raw materials. The sculpture competition is judged at the end of the festival week and the sculptures are left for all to enjoy until the sea reclaims them. www.driftwoodandsand.co.nz.
The annual Westland A&P Show is a great family day out. Entertainment, rides, livestock, wood chopping events and much more. http://westlandapshow.co.nz/
This is run annually by the West Coast Touring Motorcycle Club and has become a premier event on the motorcycle touring curcuit. Participants camp onsite and enjoy food stalls, free tea & coffee, live entertainment and a no attitudes allowed environment.
An annual fundraising event and great day out. Tour a variety of local gardens. Each year, the event visits different gardens so there is always something new to see.
For over 25 years, teams have gotten their best golf clubs out to test their skills along the Hokitika Beach. Often in fancy dress, teams are tested with many sand traps, variable weather and an occassional exciting crossing of the Hokitika River mouth. Prizes and BBQ are the reward at the end of this unique golf event.
The Speight's Coast to Coast is a multi-sport event that has been held for over 30 years. It traverses the South Island of New Zealand from Serpentine Beach on the Tasman Sea to Brighton Beach on the Pacific Ocean. Over either one or two days competitors cycle, run and kayak through some of New Zealand's most beautiful terrain. www.coasttocoast.co.nz
The Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club celebrates national Volvo Sailing and Boating Week with its annual regatta. The weekend includes racing for yachts big and small followed by 'have-a-go' sessions for members of the public from 3pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday.
This annual triathlon highlights the scenery around Lake Kaniere. A fun event with lots of choices - duathlon, triathlon events with either swim or boat, individual and team events. More information at http://www.lakekanieretri.co.nz.
This annual event sponsored by the Hokitika Lions Club celebrates New Zealand's national Children's Day and is a must do for families. The event in Cass Square of Hokitika is believed to be the largest one on the South Island and all activities are FREE! Toys, games, mazes, entertainment, horse and fire truck rides, petting zoo and more.
This is without a doubt a very unique food festival! Up to 11,000 people can descend on Hokitika for a weekend of fun and food. Tempt your tastebuds and challenge yourself. Each year a new range of exciting foods are up on offer including worm truffles, live huhu grubs and possum pie. But don't be frightened there are some standard fare items as well including lamb, steak and of course whitebait! Entertainment is as good as it gets with multiple stages and there’s roving entertainment all day long. www.wildfoods.co.nz
Annual service for Anzac Day run by the local Hokitika RSA - Lest we Forget. 6:30 am Dawn Service, 11am Civic Service at RSA headquarters.
The "What's On in Hokitika" Calendar gives you updates on community run events throughout our community - quiz nights, market days, Playcentre meetings and much more!
A charity event involving 250 motorized Scooters riding 250kms Coast-to-Coast over the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Hokitika to raise funds for the New Zealand Cancer Society. it is designed to be the coldest, longest, hardest, most grueling and uncomfortable test of endurance on a city scooter to raise money and awareness for cancer sufferers. It runs every two years.
EASY Time: 10 minutes return Access: Carpark on Town Belt East. Features: Best example of the kahikatea forest that once covered most of Hokitika township area. Regrowth forest but already 20+ metres high. Also delightful native ferns & orchids.
EASY / MODERATE Time: 1 hour return / 3-4 hours one way Access: Carpark at The Landing at the northern end of Lake Kaniere. Ends at Kennedy Ck near Kaniere Forks Power Station. A shorter easy section from The Landing to Wards Rd (1 hour return) is most popular. Features: Follows historic, but still used, Kaniere Forks power station water-race, through virgin and regrowth forest. Freshwater mussels, cray and the odd trout may be spotted. Open to mountain biking.
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok Time: 10 minutes return. 600 m Access: Sunny Bight picnic area. Features: Best short loop walk through fine virgin Kahikatea forest. Along the way you will notice small panels that identify tree and shrub species.
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO TRACK DAMAGE
EASY Time: 15 minutes one way. Access: Carpark opposite Milltown Rd. Features: Small inlet on the north eastern shores of the lake. Best short walk through fine rimu forest. Ends at sheltered swimming & picnic beach.
EASY Time: 2 minutes. Access: Carpark beside bridge at Dorothy Falls Rd on eastern side of lake. Features: Short path to pool at base of best local falls. Awesome in a good rain.
HARD & STEEP Time: 7 hours return. 7.6 km Access: Signposted on Dorothy Falls Rd just south of Hans Bay. Features: Best local access to open mountain tops. Panoramic views of Southern Alps, Lake Kaniere, coastal plains and Hokitika. Must be fit. Good footwear required.
MODERATE Time: 4 hours one way Access: Carpark just south of southern end of lake. Follows western shore of lake. Ends at Sunny Bight at northern end of lake. Features: Lush forest, great lake and mountain views, bays and beaches. Open to mountain biking.
HARD MULTI-DAY Time: 4-5 days Access: Turn off the Kokatahi/Lake Kaniere circuit road at the sign post “Access to Toaroha Valley”, cross the bridge over the Kokatahi River and follow the road as far as your vehicle will allow. Farm gates should be left as they are found. Permission to cross the farmland must be obtained from the leaseholder, Terry Sheridan, telephone +64 3 755 7967. Alternatively access can be gained from the Whitcombe Valley Road (Hokitika Gorge Road) and the route walked in the reverse order to that described below. Features: This is a classic West Coast trail. This route traverses rugged river valleys and crosses two alpine saddles. The alpine sections demand experience and good route finding skills in other than fine weather conditions. Throughout winter and into late spring the alpine areas will have a cover of snow.
See DoC for up to date track and weather information.
HARD MULTI-DAY Time: 3-4 days one way to Whitcombe Pass Access: Access from Hokitika is via the Kaniere/Kowhitirangi Road travelling toward the Hokitika Gorge some 30 km inland from Hokitika. After leaving the sealed road, cross two concrete bridges (Diedrich and Granite Creeks). A side road to the left some 100 metres past the second bridge leads to the Whitcombe road end. This side road is signposted “Access to Whitcombe Valley”. The road is prone to flooding part way along and is sometimes left impassable to vehicles. A gate part way in is sometimes locked. At this point there is good parking for vehicles. Beyond the gate the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Features: This is a classic Trans Alpine trail. The Whitcombe Pass Track takes you through the very rugged bush clad valleys of the lower Hokitika and Whitcombe Rivers to the Main Divide for stunning views.
At the northeastern end of the lake - another perfect lake picnic spot. Mountain views, toilets, a huge grassy area (not so flat though), swing set and picnic tables. The nearby DoC campground has picnic tables as well.
At the northwestern end of the lake. Picnic tables, toilets, short walk through Kahikatea Forest, grassy area and a pebble beach. The Lake Kaniere Walkway starts here too.
GRADE 2 - 4+ 1-2 hours This track follows an historic but still functioning power station water race. Part of the track is being upgraded to become a section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. The track follows the water race into the bush. The first 4km is quite easy. You will then cross a gravel road. This is where the track begins to become a bit harder. In places on the track you may have to walk a few gulches. At the end of the singletrack you will come onto a 4wd track. Turn right and follow the main 4wd track down. After a few hundred metres you will arrive at the Lake Kaniere road. Turn left and this will take you back to the track 7km away. Or turn right to ride to Hokitika 12km away. This track can be done as a in-out ride also.
Grade 4 2-4 hours This track follows the eastern edge of the lake and gives some great views and access to bays and beaches. Start at Sunny Bight at the northeastern edge or on the southeastern edge. Best as an in and out option as a car shuttle is long.
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok Time: 10 minute loop Access: At southern end of camping area Features: Pretty sand dune forest & circles an old black sand gold dredge pond. Abundant wildlife.
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok Time: 15 minutes one way Access: From lake access road. Ends close to camping area Features: Tree ferns, kamahi & totara forest on old sand dunes. Small panels identify tree and shrub species. Fun for the kids.
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok Time: 20 minutes return. Access: Carpark 9km south of Hokitika just off SH6. Features: Intriguing walk through rare remnant of sand dune totara forest. Wonderful lonely driftwood-strewn beach.
EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok Time: 15 min one way Access: North of the main lake carpark and camping area. Features: Leads to a very small but secluded beach through native bush. A good place to head for a swim.
1-3 HOUR This scenic driving loop takes in the coast south of Hokitika down to the Lake Mahinapua DoC campground, a great place to stop and enjoy the views and the many short walks in the area. Turn inland at Ruatapu onto the Woodstock Rimu Road to make your way back to Hokitika. Along the way there is the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Further along you will reach the Rimu Lookout & Heritage Walk for great views of the river and surrounding area. The trip can be done in reverse as well.
This is a perfect spot really at the DoC Campground. Picnic tables, a large grassy area, toilets, a warm lake to take a dip in and many short walks nearby. The kids love this area as there is so much room to run around and parents love it because the Jum Michel and Swimmers Beach walks can accommodate stollers. Plenty of room to get away from those kids too for romantics and the view is amazing.
Grade 2 1-2 hours This track follows an old logging tramline and features some of the sawmill machinery. It also incorporates a variety of scenery and terrain and includes access to a pebbly beach at the edge of the lake as well as fun boardwalks across swampy areas of wetland close to Mahināpua Creek. The track can be ridden from SH6 or the Woodstock Rimu Road or as an in and out option. This is getting upgraded to become part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Great for the kids.
Grade 1 There is a great paddle to be had from Lake Mahinapua through Mahināpua Creek and down towards the township of Hokitika. The Creek has a very gentle current, and passes through beautiful wetland and forest; white herons are usually seen. This trip is suitable for novice paddlers and people in Canadian canoes. Paddlers get out either where the creek crosses the main highway, or further down toward the mouth of the creek, close to the confluence with the Hokitika River.
HALF DAY This is a classic scenic drive loop which features amazing scenery. Head inland to the Hokitika Gorge to admire its unbelieveably turquoise waters, enjoying views of farmland, rivers and the mountains along the way. Stop also at the Kowhitirangi Memorial that honours the victims of the Stanley Graham shootings. On the way back, head around the south and eastern end of Lake Kaniere (a good 2wd gravel road). There are plenty of pullouts to enjoy the lake shore as well as a short walk to Dorothy Falls. Then head back to Hokitika. Of course you can do this in reverse too.
MODERATE Time: 1.5 hour loop Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area, crosses creek & climbs via German Gully Track to Scandinavian Hill Rd. Turn north here and return by Goffs Track & part of the Goldsborough Track. Features: Historic goldmining features in regrowth native forest.
MODERATE Time: 4 hours one way. 8 km. Access: Starts at Goldsborough camping area. Ends on Callaghans Rd. Walk back along road or return transport required. Features: Both ends of track feature signs of historic goldmining, including fine tunnels on Shamrock Ck. The higher portions of the track are one of the best remaining local examples of hill-country rimu & miro forest.
2 HOUR - HALF DAY A loop drive that takes in many historic sights. Head north from Hokitika to the historic goldmining town of Goldsborough where you can try your own luck at the public gold fossicking area at the DoC campground or see old gold workings at the easy Tunnel Terrace Walk. Go over a short section of gravel road (suitable for 2wd vehicles) and turn left at Dillmanstown onto highway 73 towards Kumara. Along the way you might want to visit Londonderry Rock, it is big! Enjoy the revitalised town of Kumara before heading back to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too.
For those who want to do the Tunnel Terrace Walk or Goldsborough tracks and take advantage of the public gold fossicking area, Goldsborough DoC campground offers picnic tables, information panels, grassed area and toilets.
EASY / MODERATE Time: 1 hour loop. Access: Walk starts from Ross Visitor Centre. Features: Follows Mt Greenland Rd up Jones Ck & loops back following water race. Replica miner's hut, several dam sites and tunnels. Passes through old Ross cemetery with views overlooking Ross and the Tasman Sea. Goldmining area relics to be seen on walk and at visitor centre.
EASY Time: 10 min one way Access: Walk starts from the top of St James Street near Visitor Centre. Features: Part of the Ross Water Race Walkway. Short zig zags uphill before entering the Cemetery. Interesting headstones and great views.
MODERATE / HARD Time: 7 hours return. 18 km Access: Features: Rough unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland. Old miner's pack track through tall rimu with cover of sub-alpine vegetation at top (905m). 360 degree views on a good day. This is a long tramp and good footwear is essential. NB: The road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is therefore not recommended as a day walk.
HARD MULTI-DAY Time: 2-5 days Access: Access to the Styx Valley is off the Kokatahi/Lake Kaniere circuit road approximately 1 km on the Lake Kaniere side of the Mark Wallace Styx River Bridge. The track begins at a car park about 500 metres along the Dorothy Falls Road from the last road bridge across the Styx River and initially follows a rough 4WD route. Access to the Arahura Valley is 26 kms outside of Hokitika. Take Milltown Road off of the Lake Kaniere Road to the head of the valley. Features: Two beautiful river valleys with an impressive saddle. Side trip to Lake Browning possible.
45 MIN TO 2 HOUR The Blue Spur Tourist Drive is a loop. Along the way there are two walks, Prossers Bush and the Blue Spur Bushwalk. The Blue Spur Bushwalk features interesting Old Chinese goldmining workings and an information panel at the small carpark. Drive along the terrace before dropping back to the Arahura River where you can read another information panel and learn about pounamu (NZ jade) before heading back south to Hokitika. This trip can be done in reverse too.
Grades 3+ Various lengths A network of excellent tracks maintained by the West Coast Mountain Bike Club. All are within easy biking distance of Hokitika township. Information on these tracks and the maps are available at Hokitika Cycles and Sportsworld. These tracks, including one built for the Nationals, offer intermediate and advanced riders access to great views of the mountains and sea, jumps, and fun challenges including a ride through an old gold mining tunnel.
EASY Access: Readily accessible from Beach St, via Weld Lane, Sunset Point Rd & several other access roads (see map). Features: Wonderful wild beach, black sand & pebbles (including pounamu-jade), driftwood, mountain views, sunsets, sunrise, & starry nights. Walks, picnicking, fossicking for pebbles & driftwood, sandcastles, swimming (for the experienced only), surfing, & surfcasting. Keep your eyes open for the Little Blue Penguin but please respect their space!
Off Beach Street along the beach frontage there are several picnic tables, toilets and of course, the ubiquitous seagull! A perfect place to enjoy hot fish and chips while enjoying the sea air and view.
EASY Time: 10 min one way Access: Turn off SH73, 1 km east of Kumara onto a metalled road running alongside a water race Features: Walk passes through stone-fields of old goldmining tailings & manuka forest to huge glacier-deposited boulder, too big for the early miners to move or break.
EASY Time: 1 hour loop walk. Access: Carpark at the top of Rimu Hill, 4km over Kaniere Bridge. Features: Panoramic views of the Hokitika valley, and access to displays on the gold mining heritage of the area.