What To Do In Hokitika - local Attractions

Hokitika offers visitors a wonderful array of activities to enjoy!

The main thing to do is to relax and enjoy yourself, whether you are viewing glass blowing or white water kayaking!

Things To Do, See & Experience

Some of the activities you can do in Hokitika include:

Glass Blowing – Visit local glass blowing factories and view your Hoki made souvenir as it is made.
Jade Carving – Marvel at the craftsmanship involved in creating unique pounamu (greenstone) carvings and jewellery.
National Kiwi Centre – View the nocturnal kiwi, the small flightless bird, which has become a much-loved New Zealand icon.
West Coast Historical Museum – Find out more about Hokitika’s gold mining past and regional heritage.
Heritage Walks – pick up a copy of the heritage walk from the Visitors Centre and explore the waterfront.
Glowworm Dell – opposite the Shining Star accommodation, you’ll find a small, easily accessible glowworm cave.

FREE Things To Do In Hokitika

There is a lot do that won't cost you or the family money, including:

Walk on the Beach - Take a walk on the wildside, check out Hokitika's beautiful wild beach
Bush Walks - Loads of amazing bush walks through historic and scenic trails
Glow Worms - Just across the road from the Shining Star see these creatures after dark
Hokitika Gorge - With its blue blue water and swing bridge everyone will love this
Goldsbourgh - Full of history and still a wee a bit of gold. Bring along your goldpan and you might get lucky
Heritage Walks - pick up a copy of the heritage walk from the Visitors Centre and explore the waterfront.

Hokitika offers visitors to the region ample opportunity to explore native forest, lakes and rivers. Situated on the coast Hokitika also has access to numerous beaches, which are perfect for relaxing – view the often wild and stormy West Coast seas, collect shells and driftwood, or simply go walking.

Lakes Close To Hokitika

Lake Mahinapua – Located 10 km to the south of Hokitika is Lake Mahinapua scenic reserve. Lake Mahinapua was once a coastal lagoon, but over time became a shallow inland lake. It is surrounded by a scenic reserve offering picnicking, camping, walking and water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.
Lake Kaniere – 18 kilometres east of Hokitika lies Lake Kaniere. It is 8 km long and 2 km wide. There are several picnic places and one camping area, numerous short walks including two walkways. You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing and motor boating on the lake.

Other Natural Attractions Near to Hokitika

Punakaiki National Park (Pancake Rocks) – Further north from Hokitika, it’ worth the drive (approximately 50 minutes south of Hoki) to see the amazing pancake rocks and blowholes of the Punakaiki National Park, limestone rocks formed on the seabed over 30 million years ago.

If you are planning a visit to the Hokitika area, find out more about our accommodation options.