The Top 5 Things to Do in Hokitika, New Zealand

While Hokitika is not the largest or oldest city on New Zealand's west coast, it is certainly one of the most attractive.

Situated next to a rugged, log-strewn beach and with a gold rush history dating back to the founding of the city in 1864, Hokitika is a good base for exploring further north (Greymouth and Paparoa National Park) and more. south (Franz Josef Glacier) On the west coast.

There are also many things to see and do in and around Hokitika City.

Although it is a notoriously humid part of the country with very high annual rainfall, this is part of the appeal of the Hokitika area.

Don't let the bad weather put you off: grab an umbrella or a raincoat and head out to see the attractions.

Here are the top five things to do in Hokitika!

1. Hokitika Gorge hike

A half-hour drive from Hokitika City inland, Hokitika Gorge is such a dazzling turquoise blue it's vibrant on a cloudy, rainy day on the West Coast.

A short 2-kilometer trail through the forest leads to an observation deck above the canyon, crossing a bridge over the water along the parking path.

The first part of the trail, for a smaller observation deck, is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Agile visitors can descend from the main observation deck to the water's edge. Apply bug spray before hitting the trail.

2. Make floating wooden sculptures on the beach

The entire west coast is famous for its rugged beaches, but Hokitika Beach is one of the most accessible.

While not the palm-fringed beach type for sunbathing, Hokitika Beach will please romantic souls. It is especially interesting after a storm (which happens quite frequently on the west coast) when logs arrive from all over the coast.

Every January, the Driftwood & Sand Festival takes place on Hokitika Beach.

When the weather is clear, Mount Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain) and the Southern Alps can sometimes be seen from the beach.

The beach is also famous for being a great place to watch the sunset.

3. Buy (or search) Pounamu

Pounamu is the Maori name for greenstone or jade, which originates from the west coast.

Sometimes you can find green rocks on Hokitika beach after a storm, but unless you know what you are looking for, it is best to buy a piece in one of the Hokitika boutiques.

Sculptors make a variety of jewelry and art objects, and prices drop across the spectrum.

If you're not in the market to buy a piece of pounamu, exploring the galleries and shops is free and fascinating. Also, keep an eye out for the rare Aotea stone, found only in South Westland.

It is similar to pounamu but more bluish.

4. Camp at Lake Kaniere

Hokitika is not a metropolis, but if you prefer to stay outside the city, try camping near Lake Kaniere.

Here's a standard Department of Conservation campground, with locations for tents, caravans, and vans. You can fish and swim on the shore of the lake.

There are several short walks along the lake that lead to different viewpoints and bathing areas.

Lake Kaniere is about a 30-minute drive from inland Hokitika.

5. Admire the beautiful Dorothy Falls

Whether you spend the night at Lake Kaniere or not, you can visit the beautiful Dorothy Falls (within the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, east of the lake) on a day or half-day trip from Hokitika.

High drops on various levels are sometimes just a trickle but after the rain (widespread on the west coast!), There is another wave of water.

It is surrounded by bushes and a short walk from the parking lot. Swimming in the pool is refreshing in the summer.

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Source: NZ Pocket Guide

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