Hokitika - [ Ссылка ]

Hokitika is a 'must-stay' destination on the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.

Think of those fun-filled, relaxed holidays you used to have - then throw in better coffee, a wild beach, awesome sunsets, mountain views, and great cafes and galleries. You’ll find genuine experiences and friendly characters that love to share a story.

There is easy access to untamed natural wilderness too with the famous Hokitika Gorge, two serene lakes, the West Coast Wilderness Trail and a range of nature walks nearby. The Glaciers and Pancake Rocks are just day trips away.

Don’t rush! It’s common to hear “I wish we had stayed in Hokitika longer. There is so much to see and do.” So stay awhile to enjoy the slower pace of life, have a chat and soak in the view with us.

BEACH TOWN
Even the most amateur of photographers can get that perfect shot if they head to the ocean, just a few minutes walk from town. By day you can see New Zealand’s highest mountain, the magnificent Aoraki / Mt Cook from the beach. As evening comes, head to Sunset Point to see the fiery orange sun sinking into the Tasman Sea.

If you visit in summer you are likely to come across incredible driftwood sculptures, built as part of the annual Driftwood & Sand Beach Sculpture Festival. The works of art are left standing for visitors to enjoy until the sea slowly reclaims them. And no trip to Hokitika is complete without a picture of the iconic beachside, driftwood Hokitika sign.

During whitebaiting season from September to November, watch the locals fish with nets for the tiny delicacy at the nearby river mouth. Or try your hand fishing for kahawai or sea run trout.

Whatever the time of year, enjoy the view over a drink or take a walk along the beach, perhaps stumbling upon a seal basking in the sun. Children will love scouring the beach for pieces of pounamu (NZ Jade) that have been washed down from a nearby river.

ARTISAN COMMUNITY
Hokitika and its surrounding areas, especially the Arahura River, is a major source of pounamu. Also known as greenstone or jade, pounamu was prized by Maori as a great taonga or treasure, and used to make weapons, tools and jewellery.

These days you can watch world-renowned carvers at work in their studios and chat to them about the stone and their designs. For the more adventurous you can even carve a piece yourself.

The carvers are part of a large artisan community which includes photographers, painters,, glass blowers, sculptors, wood turners, jewellers, craftspeople, potters, and metal, stone and textile artists. They are happy for you to visit their studios.

RICH CULTURE
At the height of the gold rushes in the 1860’s Hokitika was a bustling town that welcomed 37,000 immigrants through its port in just two years. Today the town embraces its history and a visit to the excellent Carnegie Building for stories of the gold rushes, pounamu, pioneering life and whitebait is a must.

A self-guided Points of Interest Loop is also an option, along the way view images of yesteryear on your mobile phone using augmented reality. The 11km ramble around town is one of many easy walks, as night falls make sure you head to the glowworm dell – a magical spot for both children and adults.

DINING OPTIONS
Whether you enjoy fish and chips at the beach, or head to one of the many cafes, pubs or restaurants there are plenty of culinary options. In whitebait season you can try whitebait fritters or even a whitebait pizza. Finish your night with a drink at the wine bar or one of the many pubs where you are bound to meet a Coaster who is happy to yarn the evening away.

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