What’s on in New Zealand
Hokitika and West Coast
The wild west!
The wild west coast of New Zealand – home to some of the world’s best scenery, cultural spots and the internationally-renowned annual Wild Foods Festival. The funky small town of Hokitika is the only beachside, full service town centre on the west coast of the South Island, and is well worth a few days of your holiday.
Stay in comfort – with a heap of fun!
The Hokitika Holiday Park is your perfect home away from home. Whether you are after a family cabin, rooms for a couple or individual, powered campervan sites and tent sites or a motel unit – the holiday park caters to every need. This super family-friendly holiday park has the ultimate in kids’ entertainment with a huge pirate themed playground, complete with look-out, flying fox and slide. Great for kids and adults alike.
Wild Foods
Hokitika is the place to be for those who want to step outside the box and try a selection of wild foods – whether its grubs, meats, plants or a delectable combo of them all. The Wild Foods Festival has been a huge success for decades and is still going strong with thousands heading to Hokitika each year in excitement of what awaits on the menu. Traditionally held in March each year, add this one to the trip calendar.
Stunning scenery
The Franz Josef glacier is world-renowned, and an ever-changing natural phenomenon. The 12km long maritime glacier is located in Westland’s Tai Poutini National Park, with the equally-spectacular Fox Glacier just 20 kilometres to the south. Visitors come from around the world to the West Coast, to experience the ultimate in glacial adventures, from shorter walks and guided tours, through to adrenalin-pumping climbs and heli-adventures, and so much more. This world heritage area is truly one for the bucket list, with uniquely stunning vistas as far as the eyes can see.
When nature calls
As well as the idyllic glacial guided walks, there are many unguided options around Hokitika and on the West Coast – including around Lake Brunner, one of the South Island’s largest lakes. Walks and hikes around the lake range from 10 minutes’ in duration to 10 hours. But wait, when it comes to natural beauty, there is just so much more… don’t miss the pancake rocks and blow holes; rainforest walks; the Buller swing bridge; Arthur’s Pass; and the list could go on and on.
Hot and steamy
Take a moment to soak in one of the many natural hot springs throughout the west coast. One of the most popular is Franz Josef glacial hot pools, with three main pools weaved through rainforest as well as private pools and massage facilities on site too. Open every day except Christmas Day. Handy hint: book ahead if possible to ensure access.
Museums and more
Culture can be found in bucket loads here – with galleries, museums and more awaiting your arrival. The Hokitika Museum is a very budget friendly location to visit – for just a couple of dollars you can visit here. Take time to appreciate the historical beauty of its home in the Carnegie Building, and learn the stories of the region, its goldrush history, its famed white-baiting traditions, the stories of the people and land, and more. Don’t miss the Wilderness Gallery, Westland Industrial Heritage Park and even Sock World, and its Sock Knitting Machine Museum!
For more information on Hokitiak and the West Coast visit West Coast NZ
Photo Credits: Hokitika Holiday Park, Wild Food Festival, West Coast NZ
