ROAD TRIP: A journey to Hokitika

Greymouth to Hokitika via SH6 - 32min, 39.4km

SIDE TRIP: Kumara Junction to Jacksons via SH 73 - 34min, 45.7km

Tourism is taking off in this part of the country as it attracts visitors with a sense of adventure.

The Greymouth to Hokitika stretch of road falls roughly in the midway point of the region. It takes you between lush rainforests on one side of the road and farming land that stretches out to the ocean on the other. Millennia of floods and erosion has brought down silt from the upper reaches of the Alps that was then deposited in the valleys has created flat terraces of fertile soil along the coastal lowlands.

Roughly five minutes out of Hokitika, the Arahura River meets the sea. It is here where you can take a spiritual Māori-led guide of the river and scour for your own piece of pounamu with Arahura Greenstone Tours.

Pounamu/greenstone © Getty Images

HIGHLIGHTS

TARAMAKAU BRIDGE

Crossing the Taramakau Bridge provides some excitement as you share the single-lane bridge with a railway track. Give way to any traffic on the bridge and when the bridge is free, proceed with care.

BLACKBALL

Fifteen minutes from Greymouth, Blackball’s museum tells the story of the labour movement (Blackball played a huge part in Aotearoa’s political history).

HOKITIKA GORGE SCENIC RESERVE

The water in Hokitika Gorge is electric blue and crossing the swing bridge to admire its dramatic scenery is a must. Located 33km from Hokitika, there is also a safe swimming hole popular in the summer with locals.

Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism

WEST COAST TREETOP WALK & CAFÉ

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.

HOKITIKA’S ART & CRAFT TRAIL

Master carvers open their workshops while they work on pounamu and visitors can design, cut, shape and polish their own piece.

HOKITIKA BEACH

The town is right on the coast and its wild, weather-beaten stretch of beach, strewn with bleached driftwood, demands long evening walks. After an energising stroll, head to the famous Hokitika driftwood signpost for a sunset selfie.

LAKE KANIERE

Drive 24km inland for swimming spots and picnic nooks on this picturesque lake. Jump off the jetty, mountain bike around the perimeter or embark on a walk.

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival © Westland District Council

HOKITIKA

Hokitika is a vibrant tourist town and the point where SH 73 emerges from Arthur’s Pass, making it a busy and exciting hub.

Hokitika Must-Do's

> Hokitika Beach Sign

> Glow Worm Dell

> Hokitika Museum

> National Kiwi Centre

> Greenstone / pounamu

> Wild Food Festival in March

> Lake Kaniere> Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika is home to the famous Wild Food Festival. Get ready to eat snails, grubs and mountain oysters – the latter being lambs’ testicles!

Wild and rugged, with a moody coastline that meets magnificent mountains, nearby Hokitika Beach is a visitor favourite, notably for its aesthetic collection of strewn driftwood and dazzling sunsets.

By day, the streets are abuzz with the sale of greenstone, glassware, textiles and other crafts; the buildings are equally attractive, dating back to their 1860 heyday. The National Kiwi Centre celebrates every West Coast critter: view scuttling kiwi in the nocturnal house, take part in feeding giant eels and try your hand at catching (and releasing) bigpincered crayfish.

Beach in Hokitika © Getty Images

DON’T MISS IN HOKITIKA

NATIONAL KIWI CENTRE: Although kiwi are the stars, visitors can also feed giant eels, get up close to tuatara and learn about crayfish and whitebait.

SELF-GUIDED HERITAGE TOUR: At the height of the gold rush in the late 1860s, Hokitika was thriving. Take a self-guided walk around the heritage buildings and visit the Hokitika Museum which is also greatly historic.

Kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre, Hokitika © West Coast Tourism

SIDE TRIP: Kumara & Jacksons

INLAND TREASURE

A hidden gem in the rainforests inland of Greymouth, historic Kumara has excellent cycle trails, hunting and fishing spots and an array of short walks amongst the native bush where you can discover gold-mining relics and pan for gold. Hunting for greenstone is another attraction on offer. The village itself has creative craft shops and cafés and there are various accommodation options, including overnight stays in beautifully restored heritage buildings.

Being a stop on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle trail has given Kumara a new lease on life; it’s a colourful, lively little town these days.

Another 38km up the road is Jacksons which is also a stop for the TranzAlpine train. This is a small historic town and something of a time warp. Nevertheless, it will completely charm you.

Catch the TranzAlpine train which passes via Jacksons © West Coast Tourism

Main Image: Hokitika Gorge © West Coast Tourism

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz