Local Culture
Hokitika History
The West Coast of New Zealand has always been sparsely populated. Cooler weather, sandflies and high rainfall limited Maori population to a determined few trading the valuable Ponamu (local Jade).
The first European settlers found the Coast just as inhospitable. An optimistic boat load of people attempted to colonise Jacksons Bay in the far south. The difficult climate and isolation from supplies and medical assistance however, made their dream impossible and the tiny cemetery is a poignant memorial to their struggle.
Gold was discovered in the 1860's and the Coast boomed, drawing fortune seekers from all over the world. The sleepy little towns of today were the bustling infrastructure catering for tens of thousands of miners.
After the gold rush, the West Coast survived on milling its substantial native timber supplies for the construction of the nation. The Hokitika Gaol was transformed into one of the largest Insane Asylums in the country and provided employment for a large section of the community.
In the 1990's, the conservation movement ended native milling. More enlightened mental health care resulted in the closure of the big psychiatric institution. Hokitika and the Coast fell into a depression, but it wasn't long until the old pioneering spirit found a way through.
Tourism is now one of the biggest industries on the coast. Real Estate prices have quadrupled and the coast is now perceived as an attractive place to live with a growing economy.
In a time where people have recognised the downside to living fast paced lives in large polluted cities, Hokitika and the West Coast are a refreshing change, even if it's only for the weekend!
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West Coast Art & Craft
The stunning scenery, isolation and laid back atmosphere of the West Coast has inspired generations of artists.
Hokitika is a haven of boutique art and craft shops. Paint, stone, textile, glass, wood and words; the possibilities are endless.
Spend some time checking out the beautiful and inspiring range of locally made work.
Rain on the Roof has its own Studio and Resident Artist.
Bev extends an invitation for your entire family to enter her studio to view the work in progress. She has been painting in Hokitika since her return from travelling and living in London in 2006. Visiting fabulous galleries and exhibitions in Europe fuelled her desire to come back home and celebrate the beautiful West Coast in her paintings.
Jade/Pounamu
Create your own unique NZ treasure from this beautiful local stone .
As a Pakeha family, 5 generations on the Coast, our identity is built on a strong connection to the land.
The mountains, rivers and beaches of the Coast are an important part of who we are. Our unique culture is woven from the threads of the past: the endeavours of our pioneering ancestors and the Maori culture. When away from home, recognising a pounamu pendant in a crowd gives us a clue to the presence of a fellow kiwi.
Most West Coasters wear pounamu. It has significant meaning for us and is a Taonga (special treasure) when given as a gift.
Steve at Bonz & Stonz created the special Pounamu pendants that my sister and her husband exchanged in lieu of wedding rings at their recent beach wedding.
Hokitika is the home of Pounamu, choose your own crafted jewellery to take part in these traditions or learn to make a your own.
Spend a creative day designing and carving your own Taonga with Steve.
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A Natural Playground
The West Coast is a wonderful place to be a child (or young at heart).
The native forest is a fascinating and safe (we have no snakes or poisonous spiders) environment to explore and discover amazing things. Thick soft beds of moss, tall straight rimu trees, small fish and crustaceans under rocks in the dark streams. Friendly fantails and bright blue mushrooms add a touch of magic.
Quad bikes, horse riding, white water rafting, kayaking, helicopters, jetboats...
Sand, mud and water: Hokitika has all the ingredients for a fantastic family holiday.
The Whitebait - Inanga
Annual migration of Kiwis to river huts during Whitebait Season.
An elusive little fish, highly prized as a delicacy at the best NZ restaurants, the Whitebait is well protected by law and the rivers are patrolled by Rangers. The local fishing culture however, is ruled by unwritten laws and seasonal feuds.
The best spots on the river are jealously guarded. The question never answered is: How much did you catch?
The pioneer spirit and the hope of striking it rich, is reminiscent of the Gold Rush of the 1860's.
Men and Women endure remote and primitive conditions to wrestle the little fish from the sea to the freezer.