Hokitika Travel Information

The township of Hokitika is situated 40 kilometres south of Greymouth.

Hokitika was settled during the 1860’s gold rush, when it operated as a bustling port. Today, it is an important base for the craft of greenstone or pounamu carving and sculpture. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work and take home a piece of jewellery or art from one of the many studios and galleries in the town. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including rafting, canoeing, river cruises, kayaking, scenic flights, bush, lakeside and beach walks, classic car rentals, museums and theatre, and a choice of fine cafes, restaurants, and quality accommodation.

About the Region

• Coasters - The colloquial name given to the inhabitants of ‘The Coast’.
• Population - West Coast region: 30,303 (2001 census), 30,500 (2005 estimate – West Coast Regional Council). Hokitika population: 4,500.
• Major Towns - Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika.
• Geography - The full length of the West Coast (Karamea to Haast) is about 550km. The land area is 23,276km2.
• Closest Cities - Nelson (to the north), Christchurch (to the east), Queenstown (to the south)

Banks

ANZ Bank – Westport / Greymouth
ASB Bank – Westport / Greymouth / Hokitika
BNZ Bank – Westport / Greymouth / Reefton / Hokitika
Kiwi Bank – Westport / Greymouth / Hokitika
National Bank of NZ – Greymouth / Hokitika
Westpac Westport – Greymouth / Hokitika

Weather

Hokitika weather is warm and humid in summer, with similar sunshine hours to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Hokitika enjoys a lot of rain, but is the least windy region in the country. The winter months are relatively mild compared to other parts of the South Island.

If you are planning to travel to the Hokitika area, find out more about the fantastic Hokitika travel accommodation options from Shining Star.