Things To Do In Hokitika

1. The Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika, a former gold mining town, is the principal tourism center on the West Coast, embracing a wild and rugged stretch of coastline with clear views over the peaks of the Southern Alps to the east. It's a hub for pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) manufacture, with a slew of boutiques displaying a wide range of pounamu jewelry and carvings, as well as a slew of other local artisan shops.

Lake Kaniere, just outside of town, offers excellent swimming and boating options, while Hokitika Gorge, with its azure water and deep native forest, makes for excellent half-day walks.

2. Hokitika Beach

If you only travel to one site in New Zealand to see the sunset, it has to be Hokitika Beach. Sunsets on a clear night are brilliant and beautiful — a true natural sight! In addition, the Hokitika driftwood sign provides a superb photo opportunity to accompany the sunset. This beach is a beautiful place to relax and soak in the sun!

3. Carve Your Own Greenstone

Because of the abundance of jade/greenstone/pounamu in the area, Hokitika is also known as "Jade Country." You may not only observe professional carvers at work at Hokitika's greenstone shops, you can also carve your own greenstone pendant! You can also look for greenstone on the seashore to carve your own sculpture!

4. Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere is a pure dose of nature that you'll want to check out while in Hokitika, whether you're walking, camping, mountain biking, or just plain resting in a stunning scenery. In Hokitika, there are a number of different short treks and day excursions where you may obtain some magnificent lake reflections. Also, don't forget that this is another Hokitika spot that is stunning at sunset!

5. West Coast Treetop Walkway

There are numerous treks in New Zealand, but the West Coast Treetop Walkway offers a totally unique perspective of the New Zealand natural forest. A high walkway winds its way through an old rainforest, providing opportunities to see wildlife high in the canopy. From atop the 40m tower, you'll get spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and all the way out to the Tasman Sea!

6. Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier, like Franz Josef Glacier to the north, is one of the few sites on the planet where you can see a glacier without having to be a mountaineer. The glacier's terminal face, which is surrounded by temperate rainforest and drops to 300 metres above sea level, is bordered by temperate rainforest. Visitors can travel the one-hour Fox Glacier Valley Trail for views of the glacier terminal and, like at Franz Josef, take a guided climb onto the ice itself. Hike the harder Chalet Lookout Track for a panoramic view of the glacier from above.

7. Underworld Rafting

This award-winning Underworld Rafting excursion will take you on a spectacular journey of discovery through the Ananui GlowWorm Caves. In the historic upper levels of the huge Ananui GlowWorm Cave system, discover an untamed calcite paradise of stalactites and stalagmites. Then enjoy tubing on the pristine Waitakere / Nile River while floating among fantastic galaxies of GlowWorms. In the Underworld Adventure Center in Charleston, return on the Rainforest Train to a hot shower and their friendly Café'.

8. Explore the Blue Pools

Few places in New Zealand are as well-known as the West Coast's Blue Pools. The melting of the glaciers high in the Southern Alps sends ice-cold water cascading down the mountains and into the Makarora River. Then there are the river pools, which are ideal for a swim or taking photos of the beautiful blue water.

9. Lake Mahinapua

Across the calm waters of Lake Mahinapua is another fantastic spot to view the sunset! It's a peaceful spot to spend the night. Alternatively, you might take one of the many hikes around the lake. The Jum Michel Track is a nice nature stroll on ancient sand dunes that takes about 20 minutes one way. The Mahianapua Walkway takes you through gorgeous West Coast forest on a historic logging trail.

10. Hokitika Museum

The Hokitika Museum, housed in the historic Carnegie Building, depicts the story of what was once New Zealand's busiest port during the gold rush era! Here, you will learn about the region's passion with greenstone, witness a massive Meccano dredge, and learn about whitebaiting, among other things.