Hokitika offers the best of the West Coast of New Zealand - a dramatic beach, wide range of walks, two serene lakes, wild rivers, mountain views and great cafes and galleries.

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It was an important river port, but many ships came to grief on the notorious ‘Hokitika Bar’ – a sandbar that shifts with every tide. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk. You’ll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and art works. The Arahura River, which enters the sea just north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone). Gold jewellers, wood turners and potters provide other souvenir opportunities. Hokitika’s icon event is the Wildfoods Festival, which is held at the end of summer.