Best Free Things to Do in Hokitika

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Hokitika

Best Free Things to Do in Hokitika

Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Good for
25 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • gerardmW7699SY
    Bunbury, Australia105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful walk through the forest to very peaceful and pretty spot. We enjoyed the walk over the 4 year old suspension bridge.
    Written 2 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lozza
    Townsville, Australia23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stay at the shining star beachfront accommodation and its just a short walk over the road (although we drove as it was very cold). We were more in awe of this natural phenomenon than the child.
    Written 18 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kris B
    Bali, Indonesia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We recently completed the west coast wilderness trail as a group of two couples. From the outset Kiwi Journeys staff entire team were superb in every aspect of their organisation and commitment to ensure a great trip and experience. Their arranged accomodation was excellent especially at the Waterways (hokitika) and the hotel in Kumara. The entire trip was outstanding and my wife and I will definitely use this company again and certainly it has our full recommendation!
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kateĹ™ina m
    Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, UK19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best place in Hokitika with the most amazing person Karen. I purchased a ring there for my birthday. Unfortunately couple of weeks later one of the lil gems fell out. I contacted the gallery and Karen was so helpful. She contacted the ring maker and after I dropped the ring off she got them to mend it for me. Communication over the email was prompt and kind.
    I would definitely recommend buying your souvenirs or gifts from here as not only it supports the local artists but also the people who work there.
    Written 17 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lozza
    Townsville, Australia23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quirky beach with the sculptures, loved it. Sculpture competition held every year so assume the artwork changes each year.
    Written 18 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anicka W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice art shop with unique craft souvenirs made by local artists. I stopped there the two times I went to Hokitika as I loved their bird brooches hand painted and with paua shell finition. I took one for each of my family member and for myself. Perfect place to find a special object to bring home or just enjoy the art and speaking with the friendly owners.
    Written 7 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GPM NZ
    Ashburton, New Zealand42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful lake with a pretty waterfall to go and view. Lovely grassy area with a jetty to jump off and swim. Water is really cold though, haha.
    Written 31 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • juliegnz
    97 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went in late December after a night of heavy rain. A short and windy unsealed single lane road and a small carpark. It looks like it's beer coming over the side which is fun and unusual. You can carry on the same road and get back on the highway.
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lynda B
    Wellington, New Zealand1,400 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped in here for morning tea during a recent three week SI road trip. We always carry a thermos of hot water and some coffee sachets with us on our travels.

    This is a very beautiful spot. The weather was superb. There are a couple of tables with bench seats, we sat at one and there was another couple (who it turns out were from Melbourne in the SI on a whistlestop tour) at the other one.

    It was such a lovely place to spend an hour or so, taking in the breathtaking view. The birdlife was amazing, with heaps of fantails flitting around and eating the sandflies on the wing. Didn’t seem to put much of a dent in the sandfly population but they are beautiful little birds.

    The drive into the rest area on the track through native bush is really beautiful too.

    Highly recommend this for a stop if you’re passing. It’s easy to find, just turn into the road opposite the Mahinapua Pub on SH6 (remember the Mainland Cheese ads on the tele??) and drive to the end of the road.

    There are also very clean toilets at the site, thank you to the Council for providing such a great area to stop.
    Written 20 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meander87999
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great 20min walk that starts and finishes with a tunnel! Well worth the 15min car trip to get there.
    Written 16 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cscac
    Petaluma, CA682 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although I did not buy any socks here, it was wonderful to pop inside the store and see the beautiful socks that the owner makes. The machines in the back of the room are intricate. Who would’ve thought it was so difficult to make a sock? Great place to stop for a visit if you are in the area.
    Written 23 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scott B
    Orange, Australia92 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although it's best not to stop on the bridge to take photos (obviously!) this bridge over the Taramakau River covers a long local history. Recently rebuilt for road traffic it's taken the fun away from trying to drive in a straight line over the rail lines but it's modern and the alpine views from here are great!
    Written 19 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roaming_kiwi58
    Christchurch, New Zealand2,816 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Helpful staff, good selection of info leaflets and retail items. We stopped by here to pick up a leaflet about the town heritage walk. They have a notice up saying they are cashless, but I was able to pay for my single page leaflet with coins - I could have used eftpos, but it seemed hardly worth it for 50 cents!
    Written 1 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • an_wan
    Mumbai, India15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place in middle of the town the beach is walkable 5 mins
    Good place to take picture and restaurants nearby to eat in after it
    Written 9 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve C
    Wellington, New Zealand61 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice wee cafe almost in the middle of nowhere (just when you are feeling like a coffee, this place appears!) and not only do they do eats and drinks they also sell local 'souvenirs' and things from the attached shop. But, on top of all that, you can buy the most delious fresh Westcoast Salmon. So nice!
    Written 8 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Hokitika HotelsHokitika Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Hokitika
All things to do in Hokitika
Day Trips in HokitikaSpas & Wellness in HokitikaZoos & Aquariums in Hokitika
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire