About Hokitika

Hokitika, the jewel of New Zealand’s West Coast, charms with sweeping sea views, golden sunsets, and a laid-back, creative vibe. If you’re here for hotels, you’re in luck — this coastal town offers everything from budget-friendly stays near the beach to boutique hideaways and stylish lodges. Families love the central spots for easy access to cafes and shops, while couples often head for tranquil retreats on the outskirts. Wherever you stay, Hokitika’s warmth and character shine through.

Wander along the wild and dramatic Hokitika Beach, take in the turquoise waters of the Gorge, or stroll high above the forest on the Treetop Walk. Nearby lakes like Kaniere and Mahinapua are perfect for a peaceful paddle, a spot of fishing, or just soaking up the scenery, while Dorothy Falls makes for a stunning photo stop. And if you’re into cycling, the West Coast Wilderness Trail offers some of the best mountain biking in the region. There’s plenty of culture and history here too. The Hokitika Museum and Wilderness Gallery give a real sense of the area’s character, and you can trace the stories of the Gold Rush in nearby Kumara or at the Shantytown Heritage Park. To top it off, you can even spend the night in the only fully restored gold miners’ hotel, adding a touch of history to your stay.

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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The best hotels in Hokitika

Theatre Royal Hotel

Hokitika (Kumara)

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.

  • 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
from $80 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hokitika Fire Station

Hokitika

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.

  • Groups - Book the Chief Henshaw Apartment for up to six guests staying in three bedrooms, sharing a kitchen and sitting room
  • 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
  • Fishing
from $131 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Rimu Lodge

Hokitika (Rimu)

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.

  • 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
  • Eco break - Committed to sustainable practices including recycling, composting, waste reduction, solar and wind power
from $149 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia