Explore Hokitika
Beachside Hokitika has a cool, quirky vibe fuelled by an arty community, vibrant hospitality scene, and inspiring West Coast landscapes.
Hokitika
5 min, 1.6 km
Known as the West Coast’s coolest little town, there’s plenty to keep you busy (or relaxed) for the weekend in Hokitika.
Local artists, carvers and jewellers make this beachside town ideal for browsing and buying special souvenirs. Check out the iconic driftwood sign and comb the long sandy stretch for a piece of pounamu, washed down the Arahura River.
Finish your day with a tasty meal at one of the local eateries. After dark, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the Glow Worm Dell, a short drive from town.
Local Attractions
Hokitika Museum
The Hokitika Museum is a regional museum located in the heart of Te Tai Poutini - West Coast. What began in 1869, in the new Town Hall, as the “Museum Room” grew into the West Coast’s largest museum and archive.
Learn more
West Coast Cycle and Tours
For bike hire, trail info, tour planning, shuttles and luggage transfers. Located in Hokitika.
Learn more
Hokitika Historic Walking Tours
Take a historic walking tour in the home of The Luminaries with experienced guides.
Learn more
Hokitika Sandwich Company
Fresh cut Sandwiches made to order with quality local ingredients on the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand.
Learn moreHokitika to Lake Kaniere
11 min, 12 km
Head to lovely Lake Kaniere, a short drive from Hokitika.
Framed by lush rainforest and surrounded by picturesque trails (both walking and mountain biking), there’s plenty of scenic spots for swimming and picnics alongside the still waters.
Take a refreshing dip at the pretty Dorothy Falls, or walk part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail through peaceful forest along the fast running water race, once used to bring water to places where gold was mined.
Local Attractions
$4 - $8
Hans Bay – Lake Kaniere Campsite
Large, grassy lake-front campsite beside beautiful Lake Kaniere. Take in the stunning landscape and explore the area.
Learn more
Free. Campsite fees apply.
Lake Kaniere
Lake Kaniere is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand and offers opportunity for a number of water sports. There are also several picnic places, a camping area, and numerous short walks.
Learn more
32
West Coast Tree Top Walk & Tower Zipline
An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20m high and 450m long and a spiral tower 45m high.
Learn more
$4 - $8
Hans Bay – Lake Kaniere Campsite
Large, grassy lake-front campsite beside beautiful Lake Kaniere. Take in the stunning landscape and explore the area.
Learn more
Free. Campsite fees apply.
Lake Kaniere
Lake Kaniere is one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand and offers opportunity for a number of water sports. There are also several picnic places, a camping area, and numerous short walks.
Learn more
32
West Coast Tree Top Walk & Tower Zipline
An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20m high and 450m long and a spiral tower 45m high.
Learn moreHokitika Gorge
35 min, 36.6 km
Up next, the Hokitika Gorge. An easy 2 km trail takes you on an undulating walk through a contrast of colours — white limestone rocks, deep green forest and the surreal teal waters of the Hokitika River.
There’s plenty of places to stop (including swing bridges) and take in this visual treat caused by glacial deposits from up high in the Southern Alps.
Local Attractions
The Gorge Gallery
We welcome the public to come and visit us down Zuckermans Road when our Woodwork Gallery Open flag is out on the road to the Hokitika Gorge.
Learn more
Free
Hokitika Gorge
The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit.
Learn more
FREE
Hokitika region walks
The Hokitika, Kumara and Ross area is packed with stunning walks that range from easy to moderate. Take in the Southern alps as you explore by foot.
Learn more
The Gorge Gallery
We welcome the public to come and visit us down Zuckermans Road when our Woodwork Gallery Open flag is out on the road to the Hokitika Gorge.
Learn more
Free
Hokitika Gorge
The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit.
Learn more
FREE
Hokitika region walks
The Hokitika, Kumara and Ross area is packed with stunning walks that range from easy to moderate. Take in the Southern alps as you explore by foot.
Learn moreWest Coast Treetop Walkway and Cafe
31 min, 39.4 km
Walk through the canopy of towering native trees as the birds flit around you at West Coast Treetop Walkway. Rising to an impressive 47 metres above Lake Mahinapua, the suspended walkway is a surprisingly accessible experience suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, offering sensational vistas of the lake, forest and Southern Alps.
There’s also a 475-metre long zipline that gets up to 60 km p/h as you fly through the forest, landing you back at the visitor centre and cafe.
Stay a while and explore Lake Mahinapua’s tranquil coastal wetland on a sunset cruise or kayak.
Local Attractions
$16 to $77
West Coast Treetop Walk and Cafe
An exhilarating tree top adventure among temperate rainforest giants.
Learn more
$45 - $450
Hokitika Scenic Tours
Hokitika Scenic Tours offer specialised informative, sightseeing day and multi day tours and transport to any destination you wish to visit on the West Coast.
Learn more
Free
Hokitika Gorge
The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit.
Learn more
200
West Coast Scenic Waterways
Cruise, stay & play with us at Scenic Waterways Retreat. Experience the 'untamed natural wilderness' of the West Coast. Soak in our wood-fired hot tub, while star gazing, and enjoy delicious wholesome food produced on-site. Take time to recharge.
Learn moreSunset Point, Hokitika
2 min, 1.1 km
A stunning place to end your Hokitika escape, Sunset Point is a sandspit between the Tasman Sea and the Hokitika River where locals and visitors go to enjoy fish and chips and spectacular West Coast sunsets.
It’s a five-minute stroll from town, along the sandy beach or on the track next to it. Look out for the “shipwreck” and pounamu pebbles underfoot.
