Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre
Treasure seekers' town
Hokitika first drew Māori for its rich source of pounamu, and later became the most valued port of the West Coast gold rush era.
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The significance of Hokitika
What's in a name?
The history of this place is embedded in its name, Hokitika.
The story goes: invading Ngāi Tahu, desiring control of the pounamu source, were devastatingly defeated at Lake Mahinapua by local iwi Ngāti Wairangi. The sole surviving rangatira Hikatūtae ‘returned directly’ - hoki tika - to Kaiapoi. Several battles later Ngāi Tahu won, but at a heavy price.
Today Poutini Ngāi Tahu honour their role as rangatira, carvers and traders of this taonga (treasure).
The gold rush
The town of Hokitika grew from the discovery of another precious resource - gold. The West Coast’s gold rushes, many led by Māori, attracted thousands of gold-seekers. Between 1864 and 1867 ships brought 37,000 seekers into Hokitika Port through its treacherous river mouth resulting in countless shipwrecks. Carved out of the rainforest wilderness, Hokitika grew from the ‘Crooked Mile’ of Revell Street on the dunes to a wide-streeted goldfields capital.
Things to see & do in Hokitika
When you’re on the West Coast a stop in Hokitika, home of pounamu, is a must. Hokitika Airport is the gateway to all other attractions of the West Coast’s untamed wilderness.
Encounter pounamu
Meet master carvers in their working studios and return home with your own taonga – you may even discover a pounamu pebble on the beach.
Architectural riches
Appreciate opulent buildings constructed with the riches gleaned from the goldfields, including the Carnegie Library and Government Building.
For the culture vultures and the foodies
Shop to your heart’s content at one of the many galleries and gift shops, and enjoy a wide range of West Coast delicacies in countless cafés.
Explore the port and its famous shipwreck
Stroll down Gibson Quay, the location of Hokitika’s old river port, and end the day with one of Hokitika’s famous sunsets from aboard the replica ship Tambo at Sunset Point.
West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride
Stretching from Greymouth’s historic port via Hokitika and on to the old gold town of Ross, this easy trail takes riders on a journey through natural landscapes and back in time, with tales of pounamu and the glittering gold rush era.
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