Hokitika is a historic town on New Zealand's West Coast, renowned for the Hokitaka Gorge, pounamu (jade/ greenstone), wild beaches and outdoor adventures. Visitors can discover local galleries, forest trails, experience scenic tours, tree walk and ziplining, and explore nearby lakes and rainforest.

Things to do in Hokitika

Hokitika has a rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural scenery making it one of the West Coast's most distinctive towns. The town has long been associated with pounamu (jade/ greenstone) because of its abundance and a thriving community of artists who create them. Visitors are drawn by its welcoming atmosphere, treetop walks, ziplining adventures, rugged beaches, and amazing sunsets.

Beyond the vibrant town centre, travelers can visit Hokitika Beach during a sunset or the nearby Hokitika Gorge with its striking turquoise waters, Lake Kaniere, and enjoy a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside. The town also connects naturally with nearby Greymouth, Glacier Country, and Arthur's Pass, making it an ideal stop on a broader South Island journey.

Tourist Information About Hokitika

West Coast Attractions & Activities by Area

Activities and Attractions in Hokitika

Hokitika, West Coast

Fly Six Glacier Tour

Six Glaciers

from NZ $500.00

1 hours

4.8 / 5 (17)

Hokitika, West Coast

West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline

47 Metre high spiral tower with 360-degree views!

from NZ $39.00

45 Mins

4.4 / 5 (1626)

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Activities in Hokitika

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Attractions in Hokitika

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hokitika

Is it worth going to Hokitika?

With plenty of nearby attractions surrounding the gorge, including West Coast Treetops and Zipline, its well worth it to spend the entire day exploring this gorgeous region of the South Island.

What is Hokitika known for?

Nowadays, Hokitika is known as the Cool Little Town. There are some lovely old buildings on the towns historic walk. Youll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and artworks. The Arahura River, which enters the sea just north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone).

What are some fun facts about Hokitika?

In 1865, after the discovery of gold in the area, the town became the official port of entry of the West Coast. A boom period ensued when Hokitika was second only to Auckland, with reports of over 40 ships in the harbour at one time, with more waiting offshore.

Where is Hokitika located?

Hokitika is located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, about 40 km south of Greymouth, along State Highway 6, and is a gateway to the southern West Coast attractions, including Franz Josef Glacier.

What is Hokitika best known for?

Hokitika is best known for its stunning Hokitika Gorge, West Coast beaches, greenstone (pounamu) carving and shops, vibrant artisan markets, and historic gold-mining heritage.

How do I get to Hokitika?

Hokitika is accessible by car via State Highway 6 from Greymouth (approx. 40 minutes) or Franz Josef (approx. 2.5 hours), by bus services connecting West Coast towns, and via Hokitika Airport, which has domestic flights to Christchurch.

What is the weather like in Hokitika?

Hokitika has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers averaging 17–22°C, cool winters around 5–12°C, and high rainfall throughout the year, resulting in lush green landscapes and thriving rivers and forests.

Tourist Information About Hokitika

Hokitika is a place of absolute beauty. First settled in 1860 after the discovery of gold on the west coast. The town is now a fabulous base for exploring the region. Experience life with birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy on the West Coast Tree Top Walk. Visit the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, a glacial river with gorgeous turquoise-blue-green water and amazing rock formations. Explore Lake Mahinapua, which is a popular place for watersports. Come and experience the natural magic of Hokitika and what there is to see and do here for yourself.

Best Attractions and free things to do in Hokitika

1. The Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika, a former gold mining town, is the principal tourism center on the West Coast, embracing a wild and rugged stretch of coastline with clear views over the peaks of the Southern Alps to the east. It's a hub for pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) manufacture, with a slew of boutiques displaying a wide range of pounamu jewelry and carvings, as well as a slew of other local artisan shops.

Lake Kaniere, just outside of town, offers excellent swimming and boating options, while Hokitika Gorge, with its azure water and deep native forest, makes for excellent half-day walks.

2. Hokitika Beach

If you only travel to one site in New Zealand to see the sunset, it has to be Hokitika Beach. Sunsets on a clear night are brilliant and beautiful, a true natural sight! In addition, the Hokitika driftwood sign provides a superb photo opportunity to accompany the sunset. This beach is a beautiful place to relax and soak in the sun!

3. Carve Your Own Greenstone

Because of the abundance of jade/greenstone/pounamu in the area, Hokitika is also known as "Jade Country." You may not only observe professional carvers at work at Hokitika's greenstone shops, but you can also carve your own greenstone pendant! You can also look for greenstone on the seashore to carve your own sculpture!

4. Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere is a pure dose of nature that you'll want to check out while in Hokitika, whether you're walking, camping, mountain biking, or just plain resting in a stunning setting. In Hokitika, there are a number of different short treks and day excursions where you may obtain some magnificent lake reflections. Also, don't forget that this is another Hokitika spot that is stunning at sunset!

5. West Coast Treetop Walkway

There are numerous treks in New Zealand, but the West Coast Treetop Walkway offers a totally unique perspective of the New Zealand natural forest. A high walkway winds its way through an old rainforest, providing opportunities to see wildlife high in the canopy. From atop the 40m tower, you'll get spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and all the way out to the Tasman Sea!

6. Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier, like Franz Josef Glacier to the north, is one of the few sites on the planet where you can see a glacier without having to be a mountaineer. The glacier's terminal face, which is surrounded by temperate rainforest and drops to 300 metres above sea level, is bordered by temperate rainforest. Visitors can travel the one-hour Fox Glacier Valley Trail for views of the glacier terminal and, like at Franz Josef, take a guided climb onto the ice itself. Hike the harder Chalet Lookout Track for a panoramic view of the glacier from above.

7. Underworld Rafting

This award-winning Underworld Rafting excursion will take you on a spectacular journey of discovery through the Ananui GlowWorm Caves. In the historic upper levels of the huge Ananui GlowWorm Cave system, discover an untamed calcite paradise of stalactites and stalagmites. Then enjoy tubing on the pristine Waitakere / Nile River while floating among fantastic galaxies of GlowWorms. In the Underworld Adventure Center in Charleston, return on the Rainforest Train to a hot shower and their friendly Café.

8. Explore the Blue Pools

Few places in New Zealand are as well-known as the West Coast's Blue Pools. The melting of the glaciers high in the Southern Alps sends ice-cold water cascading down the mountains and into the Makarora River. Then there are the river pools, which are ideal for a swim or taking photos of the beautiful blue water.

9. Lake Mahinapua

Across the calm waters of Lake Mahinapua is another fantastic spot to view the sunset! It's a peaceful spot to spend the night. Alternatively, you might take one of the many hikes around the lake. The Jum Michel Track is a nice nature stroll on ancient sand dunes that takes about 20 minutes one way. The Mahianapua Walkway takes you through gorgeous West Coast forest on a historic logging trail.

10. Hokitika Museum

The Hokitika Museum, housed in the historic Carnegie Building, depicts the story of what was once New Zealand's busiest port during the gold rush era! Here, you will learn about the region's passion for greenstone, witness a massive Meccano dredge, and learn about whitebaiting, among other things.