The Best Things to Do in Hokitika, New Zealand
Hokitika is one of the more well-known towns on the West Coast of the South Island. Its biggest claim to fame is the Wildfoods Festival, which celebrates and showcases the unique wild and unconventional foods found in the region. However, Hokitika is also known for its pounamu, NZ Jade or greenstone, a stone found in the nearby rivers that wash down to the West Coast beaches. Additionally, the town is rich in historical and unique attractions. Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Hokitika, New Zealand, one of our favourite small towns on the West Coast.
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Prominent Landmarks in Hokitika
Hokitika has many historic landmarks which showcase the town’s rich history and culture. You can see them during The Hokitika Heritage Walk, a delightful stroll that showcases the town’s rich history.
Along the way, you’ll pass architectural gems such as the Carnegie Library building, where the Hokitika Museum is housed, historic buildings and statues, and goldrush heritage sites.
The town is also home to the Hokitika Clock Tower, a beautiful clock tower built in the early 20th century.
Best Things to Do in Hokitika, New Zealand
If you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, you will find many things to do in Hokitika. You could spend weeks exploring the area’s rivers, lakes, and scenic reserves. Here is what we consider the Do Not Miss Hokitika things to do.
Hokitika Beach
Situated on the Tasman Sea, one of the best things to do in Hokitika is to walk along the stunning Hokitika Beach and fossick for jade and driftwood. You will also find the famous driftwood Hokitika Beach Sign a block from the town centre. The sign is one of the favourite Hokitika attractions for visitors, who love to have their photos taken with it!
Make sure to also visit at sunset time. The exquisite views of the sun setting into the Tasman Sea are unbeatable.
If water views are your thing, read our story on Peters Pool Walk, Franz Josef. Includes photo gallery.
West Coast Treetop Walk
West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe is a favourite among visitors to the area. The exhilarating adventure takes you high above the forest floor, climbing a tower and suspension bridges. As you walk among the rainforest treetops on elevated walkways, you have panoramic views of the rainforest and lake. And for those more daring souls, there is a zipline from the tower. We have yet to try it, but it is on our travel bucket list!
The Hokitika treetop walk is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers, and if you have never done a treetop walk, it offers a unique perspective. There is a cafe, so stop for a coffee and muffin in a serene location.
Read Next: The Best West Coast Walks You Don’t Want To Miss – New Zealand South Island
Hokitika Gorge, New Zealand
The gorge is a highlight of a visit to the West Coast. We not only consider it one of the best things to do in Hokitika but the whole South Island.
The breathtaking nature trail takes you through the lush native forest, leading to the gorge. The views of the vibrant turquoise waters flowing through the narrow gorge, framed by towering rock walls, are phenomenal. The cool suspension bridge offers incredible gorge views and is a perfect photo spot.
The Hokitika Gorge Walk is a must-do; the Hokitika Gorges bright blue river is one of the coolest rivers we have seen anywhere in the world.
Hokitika Glowworm Dell
The West Coast is renowned for its captivating glow worms. These bioluminescent creatures create a magical spectacle in the lush bush and caves.
Fortunately, the Dell is a short walk from the town centre. As darkness falls, it comes alive with the soft glow of the countless glow worms. It’s a mesmerizing experience and an extraordinary phenomenon to witness.
Love surreal landscapes? Then don’t miss out on the Fox Glacier walk through ancient rainforests to see a glacier.
The National Kiwi Centre
The National Kiwi Centre offers a unique chance to see New Zealand’s wildlife. This interactive wildlife hub is home to kiwis, eels, and tuatara, making it a must-visit for animal enthusiasts.
You can watch kiwis forage under dim light, hand-feed massive longfin eels, and learn about the ancient tuatara.
It’s a perfect activity for families with young children or anyone curious about New Zealand’s native wildlife. Tickets are available to book on Get Your Guide.
Special Events in Hokitika
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
The festival, which celebrates the region’s wild food with a wide range of culinary delights, is one of the most popular events on the West Coast. The annual Hokitika food festival, one of New Zealand’s longest-running food festivals since 1990, has become so popular that it now attracts locals and visitors from around the country and internationally.
The festival is renowned for its bold and adventurous culinary offerings, showcasing a wide array of wild and unconventional delicacies. From huhu grubs and mountain oysters to possum kebabs and whitebait patties, the menu is a gastronomic adventure like no other. It’s an opportunity to try foods you had never dreamed of eating!
Over the years, the festival has evolved, offering a wide variety of wild and exotic food options, live music, daring entertainment acts, interactive shows, competitions, and a festive atmosphere.
Hokitika Driftwood and Sand Festival
This eclectic art event is another interesting festival that showcases the town’s driftwood art with stunning displays and exhibitions. Along with the divine sunsets, it is one of the best things to do in Hokitika Beach.
Best Places to Eat in Hokitika
Hokitika Sandwich Company
Hokitika restaurant and cafe options are plentiful and offer tasty food and great vibes. However, both local and international visitors rave about the delicious sandwiches and wraps at this humble sandwich cafe.
The magic in the sandwiches starts with daily freshly baked bread by a local baker, free-range meat crafted by an artisan butcher using traditional methods, and handmade cheeses from South Island cheesemakers. Having tried their sandwiches, we can say that along with the fresh ingredients and condiments made in-house, they have the winning formula!
In fact, it’s the No. 1 restaurant on TripAdvisor, and Stuff has also named it “New Zealand’s best sandwich,” so you need to add it to your “Things to do in Hokitika” list.
Ocean View Restaurant at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
For a more upscale dining experience, check out the Ocean View Restaurant, which offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine with stunning ocean views. Actually, you can’t go past ocean views as good as these while dining out! We’d go there just for that!
The Hokitika Beachfront Hotel offers buffet breakfasts and an excellent mix of food for lunch. However, the best time to go is at sunset so you can watch the sun setting into the sea. A Hokitika sunset is pure magic!
Travelling on the West Coast? Read Next – Things to Do in Westport New Zealand: Nature’s Gateway.
How to Get There
The town is located on State Highway 6 and is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.
There are bus services available from most city centres around the South Island.
For those without a car or who prefer not to drive, the best way to get to Hokitika is via the Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. From there, we recommend renting a car for your adventures on the West Coast. The car rental stands are at Greymouth train station. It is a half-hour drive from Greymouth to Hokitika.
For those who prefer to fly, the Hokitika Airport is also located in the town and offers flights to and from major cities in New Zealand.
However, if you are self-driving, it is a 3-hour drive from Christchurch, and it is one of the best drives on the South Island through the stunning mountains of the Southern Alps.
From Picton to Hokitika, West Coast, it’s a 5-hour drive and is an equally captivating drive through remote mountains with bush and river views. We often travel along this route, and we highly recommend this drive if you have time for a road trip.
Yes, you can easily use public transport but self-driving will allow you to access many of our favourite West Coast towns. Punakaiki is only a 1-hour drive. Westport is a 2-hour drive.
Need some ideas about the best ways of travelling around New Zealand? Read next: Transport NZ: Travelling Around New Zealand.
What is special about Hokitika, NZ?
When people ask us, “Is Hokitika worth visiting?” Our answer is Hell Yeah, there are so many cool things to do in Hokitika!
It is a unique town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. With so many unique and awe-inspiring activities, your Hokitika to do list will be full.
However, out of all the do no miss Hokitika activities, try to time your visit during the Wildfood Festival, usually held in mid-March every year. You will witness a fun, wild and unforgettable festival in New Zealand Hokitika.
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