Hokitika is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, beside the Tasman Sea with a view to Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Hokitika Township

Hokitika is the gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park. The Arahura River, which enters the sea 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone) for the Maori people and still yields a large proportion of the Coast's continuing supply.

Several shops in Hokitika sell expertly crafted greenstone jewellery and sculptures. The region is also popular with other craftspeople, including gold jewellers, wood turners and potters. Tourism, farming, spagnum moss and fishing also provide the source of wealth for the residents of Hokitika.

South of Hokitika are two beautiful water-holes. Lake Kaniere is a placid lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a favourite place for boating, water skiing, picnics and swimming. Lake Mahinapua, surrounded by bushland, is ideal for sailing and has good camp facilities. Between Hokitika and Franz Josef is the settlement of Whataroa and the famous white heron (kotuku) which nests between November and February.

Hokitika Main Street

Area Attractions
Glaciers two hours drive, Punakaiki Blowholes 90 minutes drive, Shantytown 20 minutes drive, jade carving, glass blowing, fur and skin shops, commercial gold mining, bushwalks, fishing, scenic drives to Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and Hokitika Gorge, glow worm dell, Water World, craft galleries.

Travel times By Car
Christchurch: 3.30 hrs
Pancake Rocks: 1.00 hrs
Franz Josef: 2.00 hrs
Abel Tasman: 5.00 hrs
Wanaka: 5.30 hrs

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