Aneden Motel

Lake Kaniere Tri

by fishandchips

The Lake Kaniere triathalon is held every year in march and is a great event. It's one of the more beautiful given its location but you aren't often appreciating the beauty of the place as you do the course. The tri is really a multisport event as it starts with an 11km run followed by an 8km Kayak then finishes with a 20km cycle. The usual gear is needed - kayak, bike & running shoes - plus a good support crew!!

Hari Hari's Wanganui River

by Aidy_p

Located on the right side of the road near Hari Hari is Wanganui River. People of the past used to pan for gold here. People of the present do their rafting here. Stop by the river and be immersed in the cool breeze brought about by the rapids.

Port Town turned to Tourist Town

by DSwede

Hokitika was once the largest port town on the west of New Zealand. But in modern times, that honor now falls on the main cities such as Aukland and Christchurch.

But way back in the day, this was the busy port for immigrants coming from Australian shores, as well as a cargo hub for the natural resources being taken from New Zealand.

But now, Hokitika is a tourist stop along the scenic West Coast highway. It is a stopping point for those heading south to the Glaciers. Its tourism, souvenir stores and jewelry shops are the major money makers. Its a popular place to buy pounamu (jade).

For more details of my time on the island, please feel free to visit my South Island page.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my New Zealand gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

A land of Food and Ice

by fishandchips

"West coast central"

Hoki is a great place to have as a home base on the coast as it accesses many other places. Lake Kaniere, Hari Hari, Wild water paddling and fishing of the beach are all good options. The town itself is on the small side and has a very rich history centred in the days of the gold rush. A visit to the impressive museum will show you that in detail.

"So Many Things to Do!!"

You may not think it but Hoki has quite a few options when it comes to doing a bit of sightseeing. The countless options include;

- Wild Foods Festival in March each year

- West Coast Historical Museum including lots of info on Hokitika's goldmining history

- Lake Kaniere Walkway (4hrs) is 13km, but shorter walks near the lake include Canoe Cove and Dorothy Falls.

- The Mahinapua Walkway (2hrs) goes through a scenic reserve with trails to Mt Tahu and Mt Brown (7hrs).

- Glowworm Dell - this is on the northern outskirts of town is worth a night-time visit.

- Phelps Goldmine - you can pan for gold here - about 2km south of Hokianga

- Eco World - there are kiwi's and other wildlife in their natural surroundings, including white heron

- Lake Kaniere - this is 20km east of Hokitika, and is popular for swimming, waterskiing, paragliding, powerboat racing and fishing. Also this is the site of the Lake Kaniere Triathlon.

- Lake Mahinapua - located south of Hoki, the lake is popular for yachting, fishing and swimming.

"A bit more off the beaten track...."

- Kotuku Sanctuary - this is located near Whataroa (114km southwest of Hokitika) is New Zealand's only breeding colony of white heronNesting season is from November to March.

- Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers - approx 140km south of Hokitika, these are the world's most low-lying glaciers. You can arrange Scenic flights from Hokitika and these are amazing.