Click HERE for a map of Hokitika and
surrounding areas
Hokitika is located on the South
Islands west coast, between the banks of the Hokitika
River and the Tasman Sea coastline, with the great Southern Alps
mountain range as a backdrop. It is a 161 mile (258
kms) drive west from Christchurch and a 325
drive (520 kms) north of Queenstown.
Hokitika is now a nice, friendly
town with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, which belies the towns
history. Founded in the 1860's to support the
gold mining activities in the area, the town was very busy and
became one of the busiest sea ports on the South
Island. At its height, the town was home to
over 10,000 people, but today the population is
around 5000. The towns history is very well documented in
the towns museum, which is a must visit. But gold
mining still continues, be it based on modern technology and
methods. Other than gold, the area is rich in
pounamu (a jade-like gemstone) which is still carved by hand,
and a unique gemstone called Ruby Rock, containing ruby, sapphire
and tourmaline crystals, only found in Hokitika.
The one small drawback to Hokitika
is that is has one of the largest rain falls in New Zealand.
The upside to this is the lush, green beauty of the
surrounding countryside and rain forests, which offer stunning
walking and hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, the granite cliffs
of the Hokitika Gorge, and picturesque river and forest
scenery.
As a medium-sized town, Hokitika
offers plenty for visitors to explore, including art, craft and
gemstone studios, golf and picturesque beaches, as well as
numerous bars, restaurants and shops. Accommodation
offers many options, from beach-front hotels, to friendly B &
B's, choices to suit every budget and taste.
If you aren't driving around the
island, Air New Zealand offers up to 5 daily flights between
Hokitika and Christchurch on the east coast, and several train and
bus services operate to various towns nearby and further
afield.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES
ARE CURRENTLY BEING CREATED, IF YOU NEED DETAILS AND PRICES AT
THIS TIME PLEASE CALL OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM.