15 Facts About Hokitika

Hokitika is a town in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40 kilometres south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River.

Land where Hokitika stands was purchased in 1860 from Maori when Poutini Ngai Tahu chiefs signed the Arahura Deed.

In 1867, the port of Hokitika ranked first in New Zealand in both the number of vessels entered inwards and in the total value of exports; principally gold.

In 1873 Hokitika became the capital of the short-lived Westland Province which lasted from 1873 until the abolition of provinces in 1876.

Hokitika has an oceanic climate, with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall evenly distributed across the year.

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Nearby Hokitika Gorge is a popular short tourist walk, with vibrant blue water and a "swing" bridge.

Hokitika has a 3D digital cinema, the Regent Theatre, due to volunteer hours and grants from the Lions foundation, Lottery's commission, Development West Coast through the Major District Initiative and pub charity.

Hokitika Museum is housed in the town's Carnegie library building.

Hokitika has a modern library, thriving community groups, and many excellent artists.

The Hokitika Airport is adjacent to the town, immediately to the north-east in the suburb of Seaview.

Branch line railway known as the Hokitika Branch was established to the town from Greymouth in 1893, and an extension to Ross was open from 1909 to 1980.

Passengers to Hokitika were initially served by mixed trains that carried both goods and passengers.

The mixed trains continued to operate until 1967, and all passenger services to Hokitika ceased when the Vulcan railcars stopped running past Greymouth in 1972.

Since then, the line to Hokitika has been freight only with traffic primarily coming from Westland Milk Products.

Hokitika School is a contributing primary school with a roll of 196.