Things To Do
in Hokitika
Hokitika is a small coastal town on New Zealand's West Coast. It is renowned for its jade (pounamu) craftsmanship, dramatic sunsets, and a laid-back Pacific vibe. The town serves as a gateway to rugged landscapes like the Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere, while maintaining a strong arts scene with galleries, glass studios, and markets.
Visitors here enjoy easy beach walks, artisan shopping, and warm West Coast hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Hokitika and drop your bags at a cozy beachfront lodge. Feel the cool West Coast breeze as you wander along the famous black sand shore. Pause to admire sculptural driftwood pieces left by the sea.
Head into town for freshly caught whitebait fritters at a local café. Browse artisan galleries showcasing pounamu jewellery and handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with friendly shopkeepers who’ll share stories of West Coast life.
Return to the beach for a spectacular fiery sunset over the Tasman Sea. Dine on locally caught seafood at a waterside restaurant, sampling Hokitika gin cocktails. Cap the night with a starry stroll, listening to waves and distant seabird calls.
Join a guided driftwood art workshop to craft your own sculpture using wood washed ashore. Learn sustainable techniques from a local artist inspired by West Coast motifs. Inhale the scent of sea salt and native timber as you work.
Explore the Heritage Trail that winds through historic goldrush sites and old miner’s cottages. Step inside the Hokitika Museum for interactive exhibits on Māori heritage and early settlement. Fuel up with a hearty lamb stew at a rustic café in a restored 19th-century building.
Attend a kōrero (storytelling) session at the museum featuring Māori legends of the region. Sample homestyle kūmara crisps and locally brewed craft beer. Watch flickering taonga pūoro (traditional flute) performances under warm lantern light.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $60-90 |
| 🏨One-night stay (mid-range hotel) | $120-200 |
| 🚗Taxi within town | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to nature
- Strong artisan culture and jade/greenstone heritage
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
- Weather can be rainy and roads may be winding and slow
- "Kia ora" - Hello / Thank you
- "Kei te pēhea koe?" - How are you?
- "Aroha mai" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Tēnā koe" - Hello (to one person)
Places to Visit in Hokitika
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, wide sandy beach with dramatic skies and driftwood silhouettes.
Turquoise river water framed by lush green banks; a signature West Coast photo spot.
Vistas over the lake and surrounding forest; good for reflections.
Colorful storefronts and jade studios provide character shots and craft inspiration.
Food in Hokitika
Hokitika Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A NZ classic: light fritters made with seasonal whitebait, commonly found in coastal cafes during summer.
Must-Try!
Steamed or sautéed mussels served with bread or in light sauces, sourced from nearby waters.
Cold-smoked or hot-smoked local fish dishes reflecting the region’s access to fresh seafood.
Delicate seafood dishes featuring paua, available at select seaside restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market along Beach Street featuring local produce, crafts, and street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Pack out what you bring, stay on trails, and respect wildlife and nesting sites.
Be polite, ask before photographing people or marae, and follow local guidelines when visiting cultural sites.
Safety
Tipping in Hokitika
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand; rounding up or small tips are appreciated but not expected.
Cash and EFTPOS are widely accepted; credit/debit cards and contactless payments are common; some markets may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Longer daylight hours with mild to warm temperatures; expect showers and breezes; sun protection is still important.
Milder days with crisp evenings; autumn colors along the coast; rainfall can be intermittent.
Cool and wet with changeable conditions; occasional frost inland and mild coastal winds; daylight is shorter.
Wetter transition season with budding flora and improving daylight; coastal winds remain strong.
Hokitika at Night
Hiking in Hokitika
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with lake views and several lookout points.
Short, iconic walk to turquoise river canyons.
Coastal hike along rugged limestone formations with sea spray.
A range of glacier region trails for various levels; day trips from Hokitika are possible.
Airports
How to reach Hokitika by plane.
Small regional airport with seasonal connections and charter services; typically routes via larger hubs.
Regional airport offering light domestic flights and connections to major hubs via Christchurch.
Major international hub with extensive domestic connections to the West Coast via flights or overland travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of locals, artists, families, and retirees with a strong arts and crafts scene.
Seasonal travelers, hikers, and cyclists exploring the West Coast region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple of NZ culture with local clubs and matches.
Summer sport with local leagues and community games.
Popular in schools and community clubs, especially on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hokitika.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common; ask for meat-free versions and check stocks; many places offer dairy-free choices.