Harihari

Harihari is a rural locality in the Westland District of New Zealand’s West Coast region on the South Island. Located along State Highway 6, it lies roughly midway between Hokitika and Franz Josef, within a landscape of farms, forest, and river estuaries. The area experiences a maritime climate with high rainfall and cool winters, typical of the West Coast, and serves as a waypoint for travelers exploring the region’s coastal and alpine attractions.

Originating from the Māori language, the name Harihari reflects the area’s Indigenous heritage. The surrounding land was traditionally occupied by Māori communities before European settlement, and in the 19th and 20th centuries the locality developed as a service point for farming and timber industries. Today, Harihari remains a small, sparsely populated community that retains its rural character.

Economically, Harihari is supported by farming, forestry, and services that cater to residents and passersby. Within the locality are limited amenities, with more extensive facilities available in nearby towns. The surrounding countryside offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including walking and river activities, and provides access to the broader West Coast landscape, including forests, rivers, and proximity to the Franz Josef Glacier region.