Local Attractions
Things to See and Do in and around Hokitika
Hokitika is a cool little town and a "must-stay" destination on the West Coast. Imagine those fun-filled, relaxed holidays you used to have, then throw in better coffee, a wild beach, awesome sunsets, mountain views and great cafes and galleries.
Don’t rush! It’s common to hear “I wish we had stayed in Hokitika longer. There is so much to see and do.” Hokitika's central West Coast location means it is also a great place to base yourself to see the West Coast's most popular natural attractions with the Hokitika Gorge, Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and the Franz Josef Glacier great day trips. So stay awhile to enjoy the slower pace of life, have a chat and soak in the view with us.
Our friendly staff are more than happy to help you plan and organise your West Coast Holiday. Here are some suggestions of top things to do in Hokitika and on the West Coast:
Hokitika | Cool Little Town Attractions
- Visit the Hokitika beach - large beach with lovely pebbles and driftwood, great sunsets and dramatic views of Aoraki Mount Cook
- Hokitika Glass Studio - meet local artists at the many galleries in town including the Hokitika Glass Studio. And as the birthplace of pounamu/NZ jade, it is a great place to shop for this precious stone.
- Walk the Town Centre Points of Interest Loop - one hour self-guided stroll featuring public art, Take-a-Seat artseats, and historical buildings and monuments.
- Hokitika's Regent Theatre - Movies, live music and shows in an historic, art-deco inspired building.
- The National Kiwi Centre - See kiwi, tuatara, feed eels and fish for crawlies.
West Coast | Untamed Natural Wilderness
- West Coast Wilderness Trail - a 4-day "NZ Great Ride" cycle trail. Do the entire length from Ross to Greymouth or base yourself in Hokitika and do sections ranging from 2 hours to a full day.
- Hokitika Gorge - this West Coast natural icon has to be seen to be believed. 25 minutes from Hokitika.
- Lake Kaniere and Lake Mahinapua - Hokitika is blessed with two lovely lakes within easy driving distance. Enjoy picnics, swimming, walks.
- Treetop Walk and Cafe - a treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants near Lake Mahinapua.
- West Coast Scenic Waterways - freedom kayaking or scenic boat cruise along Mahinapua Creek and Lake Mahinapua.
- Shantytown Heritage Park - a living history town with gold panning, playground and working steam train. 35 minutes from Hokitika.
- Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and the Franz Josef Glacier - scenic day trips from Hokitika to the Coast's most popular natural attractions.
Carve your own stone at Bonz-n-Stonz in Hokitika.
- Bonz N Stonz is a boutique carving studio in Hokitika, South Island New Zealand.
- We provide a 360° experience that allows you to experience the New Zealand tradition of carving.
- In our sessions you will learn about the signficance of carving in Māori culture.
- With the help of our master carvers we will teach you carving skills and help you design your own piece to take home.
- You can carve a piece from jade, bone, or shell.
At the Kiwi exhibition, you can engage directly with our wildlife keeper to learn more about New Zealand’s fascinating flightless birds. See these endangered birds up close in their nocturnal home, which is a custom-built replica of their natural environment.
Kiwis are an endangered species found only in New Zealand and the National Kiwi Centre takes great pride in supporting conservation efforts to keep these wonderful birds alive and thriving
A uniquely wild and wonderful destination of discovery. Recharge, refresh and enjoy great local foods in the comfort of the Mahinapua Café nestled quietly beside the tranquil Johnnies Creek.
Relax to the birdsong tranquillity as you take in the scenery; the mirror finished lake amid ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Enjoy freedom kayaking or a cruise aboard the Eco Adventurer. Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers. Experience majestic views of Mt.Cook and the Southern Alps and outstanding West Coast flora, fauna and native rain forests.
A family owned business that creates some of the worlds finest glassware. Every piece is made in the workshop which you can watch being made while you peruse the extensive range of glass items in the studio.
Further Information
- Hokitika Cool Little Town - official website for Hokitika - cool little town.
- West Coast NZ - official website for West Coast, New Zealand.
- Bonz N Stonz - official website for Bonz N Stonz.
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