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Hokitika

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About Hokitika

Close to the mouth of the Hokitika River in the South Island, the friendly town of Hokitika is a West Coast favourite amongst outdoorsy Kiwis and visitors alike. A laid-back coastal community with a fun selection of bars and eateries, Hokitika is largely focused on the great outdoors — perfect for beach days, bird watching, mountain biking and long walks. Our selection of accommodation options within the town and the surrounding area have been carefully chosen for their location, top-notch amenities and unique style. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with friends or as a couple, you’ll find that the best places to stay in Hokitika tend to be small, characterful and welcoming.

Nature lovers and adventure-seekers will be delighted with the Hokitika area. Explore dramatic Hokitika Beach, challenge yourself with a hike along Hokitika Gorge or amidst verdant forest on the Westcoast Treetop Walk. Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve is spectacular, as are Lake Mahinpua and Dorothy Falls. If you’re into bird watching, kayaking or fishing, you’ll be in your element! The West Coast Wilderness Trail, on the other hand, is brilliant for mountain bikers.

Culture and history buffs can visit the Hokitika Museum and the Wilderness Gallery, or discover stories of the West Coast Gold Rush in nearby Kumara and at the Shantytown Heritage Park. Our pick of the best places to stay in Hokitika includes the only fully restored gold miners’ hotel in the area!

The Best Places to Stay in Hokitika

For Nature Lovers

  • Rimu Lodge is a chic four-bedroom riverside B&B, ten minutes' drive from Hokitika. Pick this place for the elegant suites, mesmerising views, huge deck and intimate feel. Adults-only and very relaxing. Enjoy walks, fishing, cycling and bird watching.

For Families or Groups

  • Hokitika Fire Station has five contemporary apartments with space for 2 to 4 guests. Book the Chief Henshaw Apartment for a group or family of up to six, with a large open-plan kitchen, dining area and sitting room. Appealing modern interiors in a historic fire station in central Hokitika. Great for exploring the town.
  • Theatre Royal Hokitika is perfect for keen heritage buffs, who can stay in the only restored miners' hotel on the West Coast. Families or groups will appreciate the multi-room cottages, good onsite restaurant and nearby gold rush-related attractions. With bike storage facilities, this is also a top pick for cyclists tackling the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to nearby Hokitika Airport or to Christchurch International Airport, three hours' drive away. Travel to your hotel by bus or car.
  • New Zealand is famously wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking around 15-18°C between December and April. For a quieter trip and great deals, look at May or October-November.

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Best Hotels in Hokitika

  • Theatre Royal Hotel Hokitika (Kumara) 18 rooms from $77

    Local exploring  -  The West Coast's only fully restored gold miners’ hotel — perfect for keen history buffs eager to get a sense of Kumara's past
    Historic  -  Built in 1876, the Theatre Royal was a meeting & entertainment venue for miners who had arrived in Kumara from across the globe
    Family Suites  -  Book the two-bedroom Burridge Miners' Cottage or one of the smaller Miners' Cottages if travelling as a family
    Cycling  -  BIke part of the West Coast Wilderness cycle trail for amazing views
    RestaurantGardenParkingNo pets

    A carefully restored Victorian miners' hotel in the gold rush town of Kumara, The Theatre Royal Hotel is a favourite amongst history buffs & families. Rooms, suites and multi-room replica miners' cottages have period interiors. Plus there's a great restaurant & bar, and facilities for cyclists. See More

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  • Hokitika Fire Station Hokitika 5 rooms from $126

    Groups  -  Book the Chief Henshaw Apartment for up to six guests staying in three bedrooms, sharing a kitchen and sitting room
    Self catering to rent  -  Each studio has a kitchenette & the Chief Henshaw Apartment has a large, open-plan kitchen
    Great walks  -  The Paparoa Track, West Coast Treetop Walk and Hokitika Gorge are particularly special
    Mountain biking  -  Cycle a portion of the 132km West Coast Wilderness Trail
    Disabled accessParkingNo pets

    A collection of five contemporary apartments in Hokitika's historic fire station. Expect nods to the building's past with fire helmets and lights strung on ladders. Great for groups or families who can book the three-bedroom Chief Henshaw apartment, self-cater and explore the town. See More

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  • Rimu Lodge Hokitika (Rimu) 4 rooms from $143

    Fishing  -  Fish for perch or brown trout on Lake Mahinapua and Lake Kaniere, or try fly fishing on the Hokitika River and Mahinapua Creek
    Golf  -  See Mount Cook and the Southern Alps as you play a round at Hokitika Golf Club's Mahinapua Links
    Great walks  -  The Hokitika Gorge, Rimu Heritage and Lake Kaniere walks are superb
    Birdwatching  -  Westland district is only white heron breeding colony on west coast
    Disabled accessViewsNo pets

    Boutique eco-lodge overlooking Hokitika River and Southern Alps with four spacious suites. Owner-managed and committed to sustainable practices, this is a top spot for nature lovers and romantics. Close to Hokitika town and the west coast’s only white heron breeding colony. See More

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