Hokitika is New Zealand's gold and greenstone (Pounamu or NZ Jade) capital and the cultural centre of the wild West Coast. Surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, the Hokitika River and rugged and wild coastline, Hokitika is the gateway to the South Westland World Heritage Park and Glacier Country.

The Arahua River, 8kms north of Hokitika is a traditional source of Pounamu (Greenstone or NZ Jade) for the Maori people and still supplies a large portion of New Zealand's supply. Consequently Hokitika has an abundance of greenstone carvers and sculptors, as well as many other craftspeople, painters, and photographers inspired by the spectacular scenery and natural materials of the area, including gold and glass. Visit some of the many art & craft shops, galleries, and studios exhibiting the work of local artists dotted throughout Hokitika.

The West Coast is a natural adventure playground where you can experience world class extreme activities if you are an adrenaline junkie. Brave the heart pumping excitement of white water rafting or kayaking a variety of Grade 5 rivers, experience an off road adventure of mud and water on a quad bike, hike across snowfields, or ride some of the technical mountain bike tracks throughout the area.

If relaxation and more leisurely pastimes are your idea of a holiday there are plenty of wild and beautiful beaches to explore, or discover the beauty of the Rimu forest and granite cliffs of the Hokitika Gorge. Learn the art of fly fishing in one of the many beautiful lakes, white-baiting during the season or take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the glaciers.

The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival in early March each year has become famous for its wide variety of wacky and bizarre wild foods and great entertainment.

Glacier Country is a 2hr easy drive south of Hokitika where the spectacular Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers cut through dramatic glacial valleys and rainforest almost to sea level, and provide visitors with a stunning and unique icefall of crevasses, pinnacles, ice caves and canyons.

North of Hokitika, following the rugged and wild coastline, is Punakaiki and the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, mysterious limestone rock formations best seen at low tide. And a visit to Shantytown, a re-creation of an early gold mining township, along the way is well worth the trip.