:hokitika
Hokitika
An area rich of greenstone, the name Hokitika is Maori for "place of return"
Located in Westland, Hokitika is 40km south of Greymouth in the South Island.
Hokitika is the hub of the Wild West Coast and has an iconic seaside town feel to it. The people are friendly, proud of their
town and heritage. There is an endless list of leisure activities to do, an abundance of local artists and craftspeople, great
gift shops, restaurants and cafes along with a boutique wine bar.
Things to do
Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve
19km east of Hokitika's township is nestled one of the most beautiful lakes in New
Zealand. Lake Kaniere is a fantastic spot
for all sorts of activities such as; fishing,
kayaking and canoeing, swimming and
boating or just lying in the sun relaxing!
The lake is surrounded by native bush and
includes a few different tracks and walks
to enjoy. Visitors enjoy a picnic in one of
several picnic spots and there is also a
campsite available.
Mahinapua
A recent addition to the Hokitika scenery
is the 7 million dollar treetop walkway at
Mahinapua. Experience life with the birds
and the breathtaking views out over an
ancient Rimu forest. There are a variety of
walkways that are user friendly for all ages
and abilities. Additional features such as a
cantilever and a tower heighten the experience of the natural beauty contained in the
surroundings.
www.treetopsnz.com
Favourite places to
eat and drink
Stella's for Brunch and coffee
With reputable service and superb food
this place is a perfect way to start your
day. Grab a takeaway and stroll down to
the rugged and breathtaking shoreline or
just sit-in and enjoy the exceptional coffee
they have to offer!
www.hokitika.org/restaurants
Heritage Jade
Heritage Jade is the place to get genuine
West Coast pounamu. Locally carved by
Colin Davidson, a descendant of Ngati
Waewae Tribe, this place boasts the best
carvings on the West Coast. Definitely
worth having a look at.
The West Coast Wine Bar
A boutique wine bar that stocks the best
NZ wine along with specially selected
wines, whiskey and drinks from around
the globe. A real asset to the town, Rachel
Wright the owner is always friendly and the
atmosphere is always inviting. The idyllic
garden out the back transports you to a
different space and time, so you feel like
you are sitting somewhere elsewhere in
this big wide world.
www.westcoastwine.co.nz
Places to stay
Kapitea Ridge, Luxury Boutique
Enjoy the solitude and splendour
of West Coast's environment. Set
among native gardens, most rooms
have an amazing view of the Tasman Sea and their own balcony for
you to watch the sunset. The contrast of luxury accommodation and
the rugged magnificence of your
surroundings make Kapitea a truly
great place to relax on the Coast.
www.kapitea.co.nz
The Hokitika Craft Gallery
Browse through the local talent at the
Hokitika Craft Gallery. Everything on display here is made by local West Coasters
to showcase their amazing talent. Some of
their creations include; pottery, jewellery,
knits, paintings, wood turnings and weaving along with so much more.
www.hokitikacraftgallery.co.nz
TP Goldsmiths
The Beachfront Hotel
Also home to the Ocean View Restaurant, the Beachfront Hotel has amazing
views of the Tasman Sea with nice
modern rooms. It is also where Prince
William stayed when he visited; fit for a
prince is good enough for me.
www.beachfronthotel.co.nz
116 | www. h e rmagaz i n e . c o. n z
Favourite Shops
Quality one-off wedding and engagement
rings and restoring pounamu (greenstone)
pieces of jewellery are these two ladies'
forte. With their wide range of skills from
creating to restoring jewellery, Tracie and
Paula, have the best workmanship and
knowledge. Tracie and Paula create pieces
that are imaginative and unique, being
skilled in the use of all precious metals;
jade, blue pearl, pebbles, gems, pearls,
silver and gold. You can view some of their
creations and contact them through their
website.
www.tpgoldsmith.co.nz
