Things to See & Do in Hokitika

If you are looking for a mild or wild experience there is something for everyone in Hokitika.

For more information on activities and attractions on offer in Hokitika check out the Activities Guide


With over 20 hiking tracks in & around Hokitika whether you are are looking for a short walk or multi day hike there is a track for you


Hokitika doesn’t copy cat! Our town is unique and so are the people who live here. We use our environment to provide inspiration when creating quality, distinctive and home grown events for visitors. Come on over for the time of your life for the events we have provided for you. Check them out now.

Seasonal fun & games

  • Kumara Race Day – Get out your best clothes, buy a new hat and have a wager on the gee gees!! Country racing at it’s best. Takes place on the second Saturday in January each year.
  • Sand Dune Classic – A fun day of golf on the beach. Takes place at the end of January.
  • A & P Show – Westland Milk Products produces the best dairy product in NZ – the Pride of the Coast!! Be entertained by the country fair atmosphere. Takes place at the end of January.
  • Speights Coast to Coast – Cycle, run and kayak from west to east. Takes place in February.
  • “Take a Seat” sculpture competition in August. Unveiling in January.
  • Driftwood & Sand Sculpture Competition – Turning driftwood into art is a week of entertainment and fun on the beach. Takes place in January
  • Wildfoods Festival – A celebration of Hokitika’s unique lifestyle, food and hospitality! Takes place on second Saturday of March each year.

Whatever the weather

  • Visit the museum – delve into the history of the coast and bring the past to life.
  • See live kiwi at The National Kiwi Centre.
  • Appreciate the artisans of Hokitika working glass traditional style, creating copper art sculptures, painting rocks, or turning wood into art.
  • Take the plunge at the Hokitika Public Swimming Pool with lap lanes and spa facilities or get fit and work out at the gym.
  • Take in a show – choose from two theatres offering mainstream or art-house cinema and live performances Thursday to Sunday.
  • Visit the library or bookstore to stock up on your reading material.
  • Visit our award winning Seaforth Gardens or carve your very own taonga (treasure) at Bonz & Stonz (only available in Hokitika).
  • Retail therapy – the best of shopping at a leisurely pace. Best prices and friendly service guaranteed
  • Enjoy an afternoon paddle boat cruise on tranquil Mahinupua waterways.
  • Capture the moment and get the best out of your camera with a photographic tour and lessons from a professional.
  • Learn how to shoot a real gun at Cowboy Paradise – wild West Coast style...yeehaw!! For a more relaxing trip get a True Value Tour guide to show you the most scenic parts of the coast.

Fine weather

  • Enjoy a scenic flight with Wilderness Wings, our local operator who will take you over the Southern Alps to Mt Aoraki (Cook) and glaciers or further.
  • Cruise the highway in a classic sports car – the ultimate driving experience – only available in Hokitika.
  • Learn the art of fly fishing in fresh water streams with a professional guide or hunt for deer in the Styx or Arahura valleys.

Did we miss anything out?

  • Ride the waves with a horse trek along the beach. Great family fun.
  • Are you a musician? Join in the Woodstock Jam Nite on Sunday. Great meals too!
  • Find the “take a seat” art seat sculptures scattered around the town.
  • Eat some white bait, a West Coast delicacy you need to test your taste buds on.
  • Check out Hokitika’s alternative night life and visit the Glow Worm Dell. See glow worms in their natural environment at the towns north entrance.
  • Grab a picnic and take the beautiful scenic loop drive to Lake Kaniere, through the rich dairying valley of Kokatahi and up to the Rimu Lookout with mountain and river vistas before heading back to Hokitika.
  • Surf cast for rig (pioke), kahawai or elephant fish (makarepe) on our local beach.
  • Paintball Games – time for revenge on family and friends, this is serious fun.
  • Walk and learn on the Heritage trail – a self-guided walk past sites and buildings of yesteryear.
  • Hire a bike (or bring your own) for discovering quiet back country roads and a network of exciting mountain bike tracks.
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© Enterprise Hokitika 2010
Enterprise Hokitika
P.O Box 126
Hokitika
New Zealand
P (03) 755 6166
E enquiries@hokitikainfo.co.nz