Hokitika is one of New Zealand’s top travel destinations.
With a history of gold rush activity that dates back to the town’s founding in 1864, Hokitika is a hub for exploring Greymouth and Paparoa National Parks and the Franz Josef Glacier.
The area is characterized by high average annual rainfall, making it humid.
Here are some of the top places to visit in Hokitika.

Hokitika Gorge

Located a 30-minute drive from the town of Hokitika.
It’s a short track of 1.2 miles, but it leads through the forest to a viewpoint above the gorge.
The first part of the trail to the small lookout is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
For those who want to do more, you can descend to the water’s edge from the main lookout.
Be sure to apply insect repellent before heading out on the trail.

Ponamu

Ponamu is the Māori word for greenstone or jade.
You might get lucky and find greenstone on Hokitika Beach after a storm, but you’re better off shopping at the boutiques in Hokitika.
You’ll find a wide variety of jewelry and objets d’art made by carvers, and the prices are very affordable.
It’s also free to browse the galleries and various shops, and it’s guaranteed to be a unique experience.
Also, keep an eye out for Aotearoa stones, which can only be found in the southern part of the West Island.

Lakes of Carnier

If you’re looking to get away from Hokitika and try something new, we recommend camping at Lake Karnier.
Lake Canier has a Ministry of Environmental Protection campground, making it a great place to camp.
You can fish and swim at the lake, and there are also simple trails to enjoy. Lake Canier is about a 30-minute drive from the city.