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Tourist information - Hokitika
Hokitika was the hub of the early gold rush, with most of the miners arriving through its busy river port to set up calico and tin shanty settlements. The people who turned this wilderness into a bustling civilisation endured considerable hardships as they tried to make a living from the goldfields.
Hokitika captures the essence of the West Coast's early development with its Heritage area, local museum and recently restored Carnegie Building.
Greenstone (jade) is a feature in the town's bustling centre of art and craft shops. Many bars, cafes and restaurants make summer seven-day shopping a pleasure. Westland Water World, the Glow Worm Dell and the Takutai Paddle Boat are popular attractions.
Thousands of visitors each year are attracted to the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival which specialises in gourmet bush tucker.
Wild beauty is everywhere - Lake Kaniere, Dorothy Falls, Goldsborough, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Mahinapua and the Hokitika Beach.
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