Hokitika

Founded on greenstone and gold, Hokitika (population 3480) is supported by forestry, tourism, farming, sphagnum moss and gold-mining industries. Built beside a wild, changing beach, the town offers excellent varieties of craft and greenstone jewellery shopping seven days a week. Hokitika is the only known place in the world where the Ruby Rock (Goodletite) is found. Rich in history, the Custom House and Quayside are complemented by the museum with its large collection of gold-mining equipment, photographs and scale models. The museum is situated in the beautifully restored Carnegie Building. Activities include wild foods, freshwater fishing, white baiting, bush walks, beach walks, kayaking, visits to Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua, the magnificent Hokitika Gorge, paddleboat cruises, Eco World, garden visits, and above-ground glow-worm dell and scenic flights. District walks include Goldsborough, Lake Kaniere and water race, Lake Mahinapua Walk, Ross Goldfields and Hokitika Beach. Hokitika is the last town with banking and pharmacy facilities until Wanaka