Hokitika is a cool little town and a “must-stay” destination on the West Coast. Imagine 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.
Don’t rush! It’s common to hear “I wish we had stayed in Hokitika longer. There is so much to see and do.” Hokitika’s central West Coast location means it is also a great place to base yourself to see the West Coast’s most popular natural attractions with the Hokitika Gorge, Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and the Franz Josef Glacier great day trips. So stay awhile to enjoy the slower pace of life, have a chat and soak in the view with us.
Our friendly staff are more than happy to help you plan and organise your West Coast Holiday. Here are some suggestions of top things to do in Hokitika and on the West Coast:
History of Hokitika:
Hokitika, is a town steeped in rich history and surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. It is a place with a rich and diverse history shaped by its natural environment and the people who have lived there.
The Legend Behind the Name
The name Hokitika comes from te reo Māori—hoki meaning “to return” and tika meaning “directly” or “correctly”. So, it literally means “to return directly” or “correct return”
There’s a well-known Ngāi Tahu–Ngāti Wairangi story that explains the name. The Ngāi Tahu attempted a surprise attack on Ngāti Wairangi pā at Lake Mahinapua. However, Ngāti Wairangi’s seer, Tuaroaro‑o te rangi, sensed the attack and invoked a powerful karakia (ritual), capsizing the attackers’ mokihi (flax boats). Three Ngāi Tahu chiefs—Tanetiki, Tutepipirangi, and Tutaemaro—drowned during the ambush. One survivor then severed their heads, and swam through the river back home to preserve his people’s mana (honour). Because he returned directly with their heads in tow, the river—and eventually the settlement—was named Hokitika, meaning “correct return”
Another Māori legend tells of a group of travellers from the Arahura River area who journeyed south. When they reached the mouth of a new river, their chief instructed them to return to Arahura. He pointed and said, “Hoki tika atu” – go back directly the way you came. This command was remembered and passed down, eventually becoming the name of the river and later the town: Hokitika.
Early History and Māori Significance
Before European settlers arrived, the area around Hokitika was inhabited by Māori tribes, particularly the Ngāti Waewae people, who lived in the region for centuries. They valued the local resources, including pounamu (greenstone), which was highly prized for crafting tools, weapons, and ornaments. Hokitika became an important trading hub due to its proximity to the West Coast’s rich deposits of pounamu, and its location along the coast provided a natural route for travel and trade.
European Settlement and Gold Rush
Transformation of Hokitika began in the mid-1800s when European settlers, drawn by the promise of wealth, arrived. In 1864, gold was discovered in the area, and Hokitika quickly became a bustling gold rush town. By 1866, it was officially declared a town and rapidly grew to become one of the most prosperous on the West Coast. The town was established as a key port for gold mining operations, and its population soared to more than 5,000 people.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a premier cycling experience on New Zealand’s South Island — a 133 km route taking most people 3–5 days to complete, or broken into rewarding day rides of 20–45 km each. Hokitika’s Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels provides a perfect base for travelers exploring the trail, which connects several towns along the West Coast, offering a glimpse of New Zealand’s remote wilderness and local culture.
Sports and Fishing
Hokitika is also known for its sport and fishing. People travel to the coast from far and wide to fish for the West Coast famous Whitebait in the season. You’ll catch Snapper and Gurnard as well as Elephant Fish and Rig off the beach, and there is always Kahawhai at the river mouth. If trout is your thing then above the Hokitika Gorge is the place to try your luck. The town supports a strong sporting community, with rugby, netball, basketball, squash, tennis, mountain biking and golf being local favorites.
Wildfoods Festival
One of Hokitika’s most well-known annual events is the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival held each year in March. The festival draws thousands of visitors who come to sample a wide variety of food, from the more traditional offerings like local venison and seafood to the more adventurous, including huhu grubs, mountain oysters, and many other strange and bizarre offerings. It’s a great day and a lot of fun but book early as town fills up every year.
Driftwood and Sands
Art and nature merge at the Driftwood and Sand Festival, held on Hokitika Beach. Artists and locals create sculptures using only natural materials found on the beach, leaving stunning ephemeral art installations shaped by the sea and wind.
Hokitika Gorge
Just outside town, the Hokitika Gorge is a must-see. Known for its surreal turquoise waters and lush native forest, this dramatic gorge is accessible via a short, scenic walk and swing bridge, offering panoramic views of one of New Zealand’s natural treasures.
Hokitika
Hokitika may be small in size, but it is rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. From its Māori origins and gold rush days to its present role as a hub for tourism, farming, outdoor activities, fishing, and wild food culture, Hokitika continues to captivate both locals and visitors with its rugged charm and deep connection to New Zealand’s wild West Coast. Whether exploring its trails, enjoying its annual celebrations, or just relaxing and meeting the people, Hokitika is a Cool Little Town on the West Coast.
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