Top 10 Things to do in Hokitika, New Zealand

July 25, 2017 Frederic Celentano

Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River.
Restaurants in Hokitika

29 Tancred Street | West Coast, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand +64 3-755 7575
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 222 reviews

Wilderness Gallery

At the Wilderness Gallery award winning wildlife and landscape photographer Juergen Schacke's stunning photography is complemented by a variety of unique handcrafted giftware by handpicked New Zealand artists - jewellery, woodware, pottery, sculptures, bronze, stone all 100% New Zealand made. Artwork can be packed and shipped worldwide. Lately the Gallery has introduced new artwork from some of New Zealand finest artists: Marc Zuckerman MZ design contemporary woodware, Chris Weaver pottery, Jay Lloyd bronze artist, Mark Dimock wood carver /sculpturer. Aden Hoglund and Peter Bishop- jade carvers.

Reviewed By DarwinDude - Manawatu

We had a wonderful time in this gallery chatting with Juergen the charming creator and owner and left with some wonderful mementoes of our trip to the south island (we live in the north). Welcoming, passionate about NZ and very helpful - this place is a refreshing change from the bigger gallery emporiums that fill Hokitika. Go well guys.

2. Hokitika Gorge Walk

Whitcombe Valley Road | Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve, West Coast, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand +64 3-756 9100
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By 917jodi - Auckland Central, New Zealand

I left Hokitika in the morning so was able to get to the gorge before the crowds arrived. It was a beautiful walk with lovely views. If you are able, keep walking over the suspension bridge to the second viewing point for a different perspective.

3. Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve

Hokitika, New Zealand
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve

Reviewed By Hampshire_Gardener - United Kingdom

Because it is just off the standard tourist route, Kaniere does not get the attention it deserves, which leaves it amazingly quiet even in peak season. The Dorothy Falls are lovely, and the lake itself beautiful. My wife sat and painted undisturbed for three hours while I did the Water Race walk - and met not a single person on a stunning walk through bush, with more varieties of fern, moss and algae than I've ever seen anywhere else.

4. Hokitika Beach

Beach Street, Hokitika, New Zealand
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 426 reviews

Hokitika Beach

Reviewed By Alan L - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Lovely beach, not busy with lots of interesting drift wood sculptures. As far as I could see free parking and plenty of coffee shops within walking distance.

5. Hokitika Museum

17 Hamilton St, Hokitika 7842, New Zealand +64 3-755 6898
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Hokitika Museum

Originally closed due to seismic concerns, Carnegie Building (front of museum) has been reopened and is currently managed & staffed by Westland District Properties Ltd. It is open daily from 10am to 2pm and has a number of Museum displays. Located at 47 REVELL STREET, Hokitika MUSEUM STAFF are as busy as ever, working behind the scenes to care for the vast collection of treasures belonging to the people of Westland, including new items that have recently been donated. They also run a RESEARCH CENTRE for enquiries about local history, family research and photographs. Staff are involved in planning new exhibits for the Museum once it reopens.

Reviewed By gfsc5 - Perth, Australia

This old library building is lovely from the outside. Well worth a photo.
Inside is a slightly different matter.
When we visited we saw an exhibition of artwork showing plants in nature. Some nice pieces but poorly curated.
The museum proper had some lovely pieces of furniture but they were hidden behind Perspex screens with large posters stuck on them in a couple of places. Not really assisting viewing.
The next room had various bits and pieces but the main part of the space contained information boards telling us about the whitebait industry. Interesting but maybe not the most exciting use of museum space.
The building and collections have potential but I suspect a good curator is needed to sort things out.
Not a priority visit.

6. Dorothy Falls

Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, Hokitika, New Zealand
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Dorothy Falls

Reviewed By Barb L - Dunedin, New Zealand

We drove around Lake Kaniere stopping at walks on the way and also the falls. The road is gravel the whole way and so be cautious on corners. The falls is just a 5 minute walk from the carpark and more spectacular post heavy rains. Also from the carpark is a small walk to the edge of the lake.

7. Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika 7883, New Zealand +64 50887338677
Excellent
33%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
8%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 521 reviews

Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

An exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants. Experience life with the birds, high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy along a steel platform 20 metres high and over 450 metres long. Come and enjoy a leisurely 45 minute to one hour stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest tree tops.

Reviewed By 8623PaulineS - Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand

We visited the Treetop Walk as part of our 'getting to know' Hokitika tour and our expectations were exceeded. Having visited other tree top walks in Whangarei (HR Reed Reserve) and Rotorua this facility clearly is superior to other similar options. The brochure provide explains...MoreThank you for leaving feedback Pauline. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit and the information about the rain forest.

25 Tancred Street, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand +64 3-755 8802
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Hokitika Craft Gallery Co-op

Reviewed By ponopuppy - Langley

We are on a tour of New Zealand and our travel guide brought us here. We had a wonderful demonstration by Anne, showing us how to use New Zealand Flax as weaving. Her art is unique and beautiful. We ended up buying a green stone...MoreThank you for your comments. We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit to our gallery and my presentation (Anne).

9. Hokitika i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

36 Weld Street, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand +64 3-755 6166
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Hokitika i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Call in to the Hokitika i-SITE and the friendly staff can help with bookings for accommodation,activities and transport all over New Zealand and with no booking fees. Free Maps and Brochures. Open Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm Sat - Sun 10:00am - 5:00pm We are also an AA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agent. Open 11:30am - 4:30pm

Reviewed By Ah62 - Wellington, New Zealand

Not often do I find an i site like this. Lots of brochures and info across many areas of the south island and not just Hokitika, but the staff were terrible.
Too young and inattentive. Not the right age group to be running an i site in my opinion and we left a bit disappointed.

10. National Kiwi Centre

64 Tancred Street, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand +64 3-755 5251
Excellent
30%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
8%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 198 reviews

National Kiwi Centre

Welcome to The National Kiwi Centre The National Kiwi Centre is situated in the heart of Hokitika in an undercover facility that provides viewing of kiwi in our nocturnal house that replicates their natural environment. During your visit you can take part in feeding the giant eels (10am, 12 noon and 3pm daily). The eels are approximately 85 to 100 years old. After the Eel feedings you can see the Kiwi being feed. view the tuatara, New Zealands oldest living dinosaur. Try your hand at catch and release crawly fishing fun for all ages . We have lots of other fish and creatures to look at. And it's all inside so no getting wet on that rainy day

Reviewed By AliBrisbane - Brisbane, Australia

Feeding Eels was never on my wishlist, but was a great experience. But what really made this was seeing two kiwis. People don't realise how big they really are, so this is a really worthwhile two hours.We love it when people are surprised at how much they enjoy feeding the eels and so pleased you got to experience the Kiwi up close. Thank you for your positive comments.

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