Quick Facts
Hokitika for Families — Overview
Hokitika is the main cultural centre of the West Coast, famous for pounamu (NZ greenstone/jade) carving and an excellent Hokitika Gorge walk. The town has a beautiful beach (though the Tasman Sea is too rough for swimming), a strong arts and crafts scene, and the remarkable Hokitika Glow Worm Dell — a free glow worm experience right on the edge of town. A great stop on the West Coast drive.
Top Things to Do in Hokitika with Kids
- ✓ Hokitika Glow Worm Dell — free glow worm experience at dusk, 5 min walk from the town centre. Remarkable.
- ✓ Hokitika Gorge — stunning turquoise glacial river gorge, 30 min drive from town. Easy 1 hr walk. Free.
- ✓ Pounamu greenstone carving workshops — carve your own greenstone pendant. Several studios in town. From $60.
- ✓ Hokitika Beach sunset — dramatic West Coast driftwood beach, spectacular at sunset. Free.
- ✓ Hokitika Museum — West Coast gold rush and cultural history. $5/adult.
- ✓ Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (March) — famous annual festival featuring unusual NZ foods. Fun for older kids and adults.
Rainy Day Options — Hokitika
Where to Stay in Hokitika with Kids
Good motels in Hokitika and a holiday park. An excellent overnight stop on the West Coast drive.
Find Hokitika Accommodation on Booking.com →Hokitika Family Budget Guide
Glow Worm Dell free. Gorge walk free. Carving workshops from $60. Very affordable West Coast town.
Use the NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to plan your full trip spend.
Hokitika Family FAQ
When do the glow worms in Hokitika appear?
The Hokitika Glow Worm Dell is visible from dusk onwards — the glow worms light up as it gets dark. Year-round experience. The dell is a small ravine 5 minutes walk from the town centre, completely free, and genuinely impressive. It's not as large as Waitomo but it's free and immediate — just walk there after dinner.
Nearby Destinations to Combine with Hokitika
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