Make the most of Hokitika

HOKITIKA’S STUNNING SCENERY LENDS ITSELF TO A WALK IN NATURE.

1. For panoramic views of the Hokitika Valley, and access to relics of the area’s mining heritage, head up to the Rimu Lookout. Located at the top of Rimu Hill, the one-hour, 4km loop walk traverses the Kaniere Bridge.

2. Walk to the GLOW WORM DELL from town. There is a lovely fern grotto by day and a stunning galaxy of twinkling glowworms by night.

3. Several walks start from the Goldsborough camping area, 16km northeast of Hokitika. Other activities include fossicking for gold, picnicking and camping.

4. The Hokitika Heritage Trail/Walkway extends around the perimeter of Hokitika and provides an opportunity to explore aspects of the history of the town and the stunning environment.

5. LAKE MAHINAPUA is 10km southwest of Hokitika with several short walks, paddling spots, picnic areas and a DOC campsite, while Lake Kaniere boasts Dorothy Falls.

Treetop Walkway tower, Hokitika © Birte Becker-Steel

HOKITIKA HISTORY

In the late 1860s, Hokitika was the very definition of ‘struck gold’. At the height of its gold rush, the prospering West Coast was throbbing with approximately 12 per cent of New Zealand’s entire population. Visit the Regent Theatre, an art deco building that still shows the latest movies and live shows. The elegant St Mary’s Church is equally captivating, and the restored 1908 Carnegie Public Library is a handsome building housing exhibits that date back to 1864.

St Mary’s Catholic Church © Getty Images