5 must dos in Hokitika, New Zealand

I decided to head over to Hokitika on the west coast one weekend. The original plan was to go explore the glaciers but with a slip in the road, I couldn’t make it down so I decided to spend more time seeing what Hoki had to offer.

When people say Hokitika is ‘a cool little town’ they are not lying! It really is! I found the town incredibly relaxing and just easy going.  There were a lot of other travelers around but it didn’t really feel busy.   I felt like I could comfortably wander around by myself.

There is so much history in Hokitika.   The town was settled in 1865 after the discovery of gold on the west coast and was up and booming in less than a year. Talking to a few locals, the accommodation in Hokitika back then was more than 100 places just on the main road. They said people just wanted something to sleep on and everyone squished in where they could.  By the end of the 19th century, the gold started to decline and so did the population.

Now with almost 3000 people living in Hokitika, the town is a popular tourist destination and spot to explore.  Jade/greenstone or pounamu has become very popular.  The jade is found in the boulders at the Arahura River north of Hokitika.  The land is owned by a Mauri settlement but the amount of jade cannot meet the carvers demand so many of the jade in the town has been shipped in. I didn’t go into any of the jade shops this trip.  I did walk along the beach thinking I was picking up green stones until they dried off and ended up just being normal rocks!  I did, of course, find plenty of other things to do in Hokitika!

Hokitika Beach

It’s pretty much impossible not see Hokitika Beach while you’re there.  Not sure why you wouldn’t want to either.  Walking along the beach, waves crashing and looking off into the distance is just the most relaxing feeling.  The sunsets at Hokitika are simply amazing.  It was really nice to walk along the sand in the evening reflecting on the day I had.

Dorothy falls

This is probably the most impressive waterfall simply for the fact that you can see it from the road! Just kidding I always love a good hike in but I can’t say I complained about the 1 minute walk.  There is also a short 5 minutes walk down to the shore of Lake Kaniere on the opposite side of the falls.

Getting there

Dorothy Falls is not to farm from the main beach area on Lake Kaniere. Turn east onto Stafford Street and left when you come to the fork in the road with a sign saying Lake Kaniere.  The road is very windy and after you pass the beach the road becomes gravel.  Take extra caution! You can see and hear the falls from the road when you’re there.

Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere is only 20 minutes from Hokitika. It’s a great place to go boating and fishing.  You can throw your kayak in the water or jump in!  There is a lovely native bush walk that takes you to the shore or you can cycle part of the West Coast Wilderness trail.  The start of two big hikes, Mt Brown and Mt Tuhua are on the way to Lake Kaniere as well.  Those I am planning for a later trip!

Getting there

Head east on Stafford Road from Highway 6.  Follow that road until you get to a fork. Left for Lake Kaniere, right for Hokitika Gorge.  Follow Lake Kaniere road and it will take you to a small beach area.

Hokitika Gorge

The famous gorge.  If anyone sees anything from Hokitika it’s generally the gorge! Just search #hokitikagorge and you’ll see everyone’s snaps of the bright blue waters.  Mostly likely captioned with holy sand flies batman!  Sometimes it’s hit or miss with the colour of the water.  The coast gets a lot of rain and if you end up going after a rainy day the water tends to be a bit ‘dirty’ as the water is rushing down from the mountains and down the river.  Sometimes it’s even more clear than this and there’s a nice little walk to get to the water!  Certainly, a must do in Hokitika!

Getting there

The Hokitika Gorge isn’t too hard to get to.  If you just want to see the gorge, it’s a go back the way you came! To get there, just head east on Stafford street which is off of the main road (Hwy 6). From there just follow the yellow signs posted.  The road takes you through a farming area of Hokitika so be mindful of any machinery and livestock on the road. There are a few turns and one-way bridges.  It’s 33 km from the town of Hokitika.

Lake Mahinapua

This lake used to be a coastal lagoon and turned into a lake with a build-up of dunes around it.  Surrounded by mountains the water is actually pretty warm and has a nice wading area. I did not go swimming! I did get up to catch a sunrise but it turned out to be pretty overcast. None the less it was still and so peaceful in the morning.  To get a bird’s eye view check out West Coast tree top walk!  There is a great little camping spot in the area as well. Just be aware that dogs are not permitted.

Getting there

Lake Mahinapua is very easy to get to.  Just 10 minutes south of Hokitika on Hwy 6.  There is a sign on the side of the road at the Lake Mahinapua hotel to turn left to the lake.

Self guided scenic Drive

A good option for a day tour is seeing the Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere in one day is to do a self guided scenic drive.  Start by heading off to the gorge.  On the way back you can turn off onto Upper Kokatahi Road on the east side of Lake Kaniere. Stop at any pullouts for beautiful views and the falls as you follow that road back into town.

I had pretty much a day and half exploring Hokitika and had lots to see and do.  I didn’t rush around the town or anything, just took my time taking it all in.  I came out of the weekend relaxed and refreshed.  I stayed at Woodland Glen Lodge which I highly recommend!  I can’t wait to go back and check out the treetop walk and perhaps take a scenic boat cruise with West Coast Waterways.

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