The Memorial Clock Tower stands in the middle of a roundabout at the intersection of Weld Street and Sewell Street in central Hokitika. As a prominent landmark, it gives the town a tangible historical reference point. There are also attractions centred on industrial history, wildlife, craft and cycling—different ways to discover Hokitika according to your interests.
A Landmark and a Route Through Hokitika
The tower was built in 1902–1903. It commemorates the coronation of Edward VII, the dispatch of 130 men from Westland to the South African War, and the four soldiers who fell there. Several memories come together in this single structure: a royal occasion, participation in the war and the losses it brought.
The Hokitika Heritage Trail offers another way to explore the town’s history: it is an easy route through Hokitika Town. You can start at the i-SITE, the museum or any point along the signposted route. There is no single designated starting point, so you can begin the trail from any of these access points.
Museums, Wildlife Encounters and Craft
Westland Industrial Heritage Park is a working museum and a family-friendly tourist attraction in Hokitika. Exhibitions, experiences and ongoing projects to restore Westland’s industrial history bring the subject together for public presentation. The focus is on the region’s industrial history as a whole, rather than just a single place of remembrance.
At the National Kiwi Centre in central Hokitika, you can have up-close encounters with kiwis, tuatara, giant eels, crayfish and whitebait. Visitors can also take part in activities such as a catch-and-release pond. The experience combines encounters with these animals and an interactive activity.
At Bonz n Stonz, you can get hands-on: learn carving techniques, design your own piece and take home a Pounamu keepsake you made yourself. For a guided perspective, Hokitika Historic Walking Tours offers historical walks at the setting of The Luminaries, led by experienced guides. Group tours are tailored to all ages and abilities; confirm your tour in advance.
On Foot and by Bike
Glow-Worm Dell is on State Highway 6 at the northern entrance to Hokitika and is within walking distance of town. A 50-metre path leads there; the return walk takes five minutes. If visiting after dark, check the conditions separately.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132-kilometre, four-day cycling route from Greymouth to Ross via Hokitika. From Hokitika i-SITE to the Treetop Walk, there is an easy Grade 2 section: 15 kilometres, or about 1.5 hours each way. You can bring your own bike or hire one from local providers; there is a café at the end. Check the latest trail conditions before setting out.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Daily Air New Zealand flights connect Hokitika and Christchurch. The other time estimates also provide different elements for planning: the return walk from Glow-Worm Dell takes five minutes, the cycling section to the Treetop Walk takes about 1.5 hours each way, and the full cycling trail is a four-day route. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hokitika, you can plan the focus and length of your stay around these differences.
Discover more destinations: Otira, Franz Josef Glacier, Kokatahi, Kakapotahi, Okarito, Whataroa, Ross, Bruce Bay.
For the regional travel overview: Westland District.
