Hokitika

Hokitika is a town in the Westland District of the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It sits on the Tasman Sea coast at the mouth of the Hokitika River along State Highway 6, roughly midway between Greymouth to the north and Franz Josef Glacier to the south. The town’s early growth was driven by the West Coast gold rush of the 1860s, and it developed as a port and commercial center that shaped much of the region’s historical urban layout.

Hokitika is renowned for pounamu, or greenstone, carving. Since the late 19th century, artisan workshops and shops have produced and sold carved jade, making Hokitika a key center for pounamu craft. Tourism is a major economic activity, with attractions such as the Hokitika Gorge, famous for its turquoise waters and scenic walkways, and the nearby beaches and forests. The Hokitika Museum preserves local history, including Māori and settler heritage, mining, and community life. The town also hosts the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, a well-known annual event that draws visitors from across the country.

Climate and environment: Hokitika experiences a temperate oceanic climate with frequent rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year. The surrounding landscape includes rivers, native forests, and rugged coastal scenery that attract outdoor and nature-oriented visitors.

Transport and services: The town is accessed by State Highway 6 and has Hokitika Airport for regional flights. Public transport links exist with broader West Coast networks, while road access remains the primary means of travel to and from Hokitika.