8 reasons to fall for Hokitika

1. West Coast Treetop Walk

Scuttle across a 450 metre steel platform elevated 20 metres above the ground in dense forest, then climb to the top of Hokitika Tower, an extra 20 metres above.

2. Mahinapua Scenic Reserve

One way to make the most of this impressive wetland, flush with native trees and birdlife is on a West Coast Scenic Waterways cruise.

3. Retina-burning blue waters

The water in Hokitika Gorge is electric blue and crossing the swing bridge to admire its dramatic gorge scenery is a must. Located 33km from Hokitika.

Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism

4. Sunset Pt

The quintessential Hokitika experience. At day’s end, watch whitebaiters cast their nets while you eat fish and chips before a kaleidoscope of sunset colours.

5. Driftwood beach artwork

Hokitika is now mostly known for its beach, awash with stories and its defining driftwood. If you haven’t taken a selfie with the driftwood ‘Hokitika’ sign, have you even been to Hokitika?

6. Pounamu

The rivers and beaches are teeming with pounamu, hence why Hokitika is known as ‘Jade Country’ and the stone is polished to perfection here. Why not fossick for your own?

7. Crafts

The skills don’t stop at jade carving; visit the Hokitika Glass Studio to admire hypnotic glassblowing, as well as masters of wood, stone, gold and bone at Hokitika Craft Gallery.

8. Wildfoods Festival

You’ve watched the contestants on I’m a Celebrity and now it’s your turn. This annual festival features over 50 food stalls with produce that is either a delicacy or an acquired taste. Enjoy huhu grubs and mountain oysters, aka lambs’ testicles.

ELEANOR CATTON’S MAN BOOKER PRIZE-WINNING NOVEL, THE LUMINARIES, IS SET IN HOKITIKA AT THE HEIGHT OF THE PORT’S 1860S GOLDRUSH.

Hokitika Gorge © Petr Hlavacek