Hokitika Travel
It is recommended to combine a trip to the glaciers in southwestern New Zealand on the South Island with a visit to the town of Hokitika, known as the Jade capital of New Zealand. The town is located about two hours (135 km) north of Franz Josef Glacier.
Workshops and Galleries in Hokitika
The town center of Hokitika is full of shops and workshops selling decorative items made of Jade, bones, and shells. In the larger stores, there are also demonstrations of the greenstone processing stages, and you can watch the artists designing and creating jewelry, sculptures, and diverse works of art.
For art and craft enthusiasts, participating in Jade carving workshops is highly recommended. For example: Just Jade Experience or Bonz 'n Stonz.
On the main street of this small town, there is also a large glassware shop where you can watch glassblowing demonstrations.
In the middle of the street on a small traffic island stands a photogenic clock tower.
Recommended Accommodation in Hokitika:
Hokitika Sunset Lodge
A quality lodge surrounded by greenery, located a short drive from the town center. It offers a variety of rooms and apartments ranging from studio apartments for couples to two-bedroom apartments accommodating up to 6 adults. Continental breakfast is included in the price. The lodge features a courtyard and terrace, a game room with billiards, darts, and other games, a large hot tub, a barbecue, and a shared kitchen. Free internet and parking.
Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation
An aparthotel in the center of town near the beach. It offers apartments in a selection of sizes suitable for 4–6 adults. All apartments feature air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, and a dining area. Courtyard and terrace with a shared outdoor fireplace for guests. Free internet and parking.
Stopforths Motel
A motel in the center of town with units ranging in size from studio apartments for couples to two-bedroom apartments suitable for up to 4 adults. The motel offers basic units with shared bathrooms alongside deluxe apartments with a private hot tub. A continental breakfast can be delivered to the room for an additional fee. Shared courtyard with outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities. Free internet and parking. Bicycle rental available for an extra charge.
♦ Booking guided tours in the Hokitika area:
Hokitika Beach Promenade
The town sits along a long beach with a scenic promenade. It is definitely not a place for swimming or even sunbathing, but a walk along the promenade is highly recommended, especially during (or after) the festival called Hokitika Driftwood and Sand Festival, which takes place every year in January for 4 days.
During this festival, visitors create sculptures on the sand using driftwood and branches washed ashore by the high tide. These sculptures come in a variety of sizes and concepts, and even weeks after their creation, you can still stroll among them and appreciate the immense creativity.
A short video about Hokitika:
Treetop Canopy Walkway
Another popular attraction near the town is the West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe, featuring a walkway over suspension bridges through the treetops at a height of 20 meters above the ground.
In the middle of the 450-meter track, there is a tall viewing tower (40 meters above ground level) overlooking the surrounding mountains and forests, and at the end of the trail, a viewpoint over Lake Mahinapua.
The scenery of ferns and ancient giant trees filled with diverse birdlife against the backdrop of the towering mountains is truly impressive.
Adjacent to the trail is a pleasant cafe featuring a large souvenir shop.
A short video about the Treetop Walk:
Hokitika Gorge
For nature lovers, a hike through Hokitika Gorge is recommended. Located near the town (33 km away), you can walk around a turquoise river along an easy and magical trail that also includes crossing a suspension bridge. The trail is 650 meters long and takes about 15 minutes each way.
A short video about Hokitika Gorge: