Things to Do in Hokitika

• Hokitika Historic Walk
  A self-guided walk taking in the town's historic sites, including the Custom House and the old wharf area at Gibson Quay. A leaflet is available at the museum.
• West Coast Historical Museum
  Hokitika's goldmining history is richly presented with relics, photographs, memorabilia and gold and greenstone audiovisuals.
• Walks
  The popular Lake Kaniere Walkway (4hrs) is 13km, but shorter walks near the lake include Canoe Cove and Dorothy Falls. The Mahinapua Walkway (2hrs) leads through a scenic reserve to sand dunes, and there are trails to Mt Tahu and Mt Brown (7hrs). The visitor centre next to the museum has details.
• Glowworm Dell
  The glowworm dell on the northern outskirts of town is well worth a night-time visit. It is signposted off the main road north of Hokitika.
• Phelps Goldmine
  Visitors can pan for gold at this opencast goldmine 2km south of Hokianga – open daily.
• Eco World
  View kiwi and other wildlife in its natural surroundings, including the white heron (kotuku). A walk near the camping grounds leads through beautiful stands of native totara, rimu and kahikatea.
• Paddleboat Cruises
  Enjoy a cruise aboard the paddleboat Takutai Belle, following a historic route down Mahinapua Creek into Lake Mahinapua, south of Hokitika.
• Lake Mahinapua
  South of town, the lake is popular for yachting, fishing and swimming.
• Kotuku Sanctuary
  Located near Whataroa (114km southwest of Hokitika) is New Zealand's only breeding colony of white heron (kotuku). Nesting season is from November to March. White Heron Sanctuary Tours offer guided tours.
• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
  Located 140km south of Hokitika, the world's most low-lying glaciers are one of the coast's major attractions. Scenic flights leave from Hokitika offering superb aerial views of these magnificent natural features.