Activities

Well located for the end of Day 1 of the newly developed and hugely popular West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, Awatuna Homestead is situated in the central region on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. Bicycles can be hired from Hokitika and we can provide storage.

Across the road, there is a track of discovery to the deserted Tasman Seas beaches, littered with artful driftwood washed up after spectacular storms, a wonderland of opportunity where you may pick up a greenstone floater, small piece of jade or pounamu. A variety of easy bush walks are close by. Convenient to all the major tourist attractions – base yourselves at the Homestead for a few days, take relaxing short trips to many of the interesting and exciting places on the West Coast. Rejuvenate with a glass of bubbles on our verandah and a relaxing overnight stay at Awatuna Homestead, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Located between Hokitika and Greymouth,  two minutes off State Highway 6, the Homestead is a central to Punakaiki Rocks (1hr +); further north at Cape Foulwind, a seal colony; south to the Glaciers (2hrs); lakes and river fishing are in the near vicinity; and, of course, the stunning Hokitika Gorge is just 45mins drive.  All within 2hrs drive from the Homestead are 3 National Parks: Arthurs Pass, Paparoa (Punakaiki), and Westland (Glaciers). Christchurch is 3hrs drive, and Nelson is 4.5hrs. Remember though to always add extra time for those irresistible photo shoots of some amazing scenery!

Want to experience a Great Train Journey? We are only 20 minutes from the famous Tranz Alpine Train which runs from Greymouth to Christchurch each day, travelling through the high mountains, river gorges, viaducts, past lakes and farmlands.

Hokitika History and Heritage

To say Hokitika has had a colourful past is a bit of an understatement. At the height of the gold rushes in the 1860’s it boasted 102 hotels. Throw in three opera houses and a whole lot of gold miners and it must have been a rip-roaring town. There is still gold in them-there hills so pick up a gold pan and head to one of the public fossicking areas at Ross or Goldsborough where you’ll be watched by cheeky wekas.

http://www.hokitika.org/

Lake Mahinapua

Tranquil Lake Mahinapua is set just 10km south of Hokitika on the West Coast of the Southern Alps, New Zealand. It is a scenic reserve and with a roomy DOC campsite and picnic areas. It is a lovely place for a swim and the water is surprisingly warm. Kids love jumping off the jetty into the lake or launching a canoe to explore. Campers says the sight of the sun rising up over the Southern Alps, with its fingers of light touching the lake is something you’ll never forget.

http://www.hokitika.org/places/60/Lake-Mahinapua

Pounamu, NZ Jade

Hokitika on the West Coast of New Zealand is the birthplace of Pounamu, NZ jade. For a small town we struck it rich in the resources stakes. Before the gold rushes Maori were already heading here in search of another precious stone – pounamu. The Arahura River is the birthplace of pounamu which is also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade. Pounamu was prized for its strength, durability and beauty and used for weapons, tools and personal ornaments – it also denoted great status.

http://www.hokitika.org/local-tips/105/Pounamu-(NZ-Jade)

Driftwood and Sand Beach Art

On the Hokitika beach on the West Coast of New Zealand, there is the annual Driftwood and Sand sculpture event every January. It is a great chance for travellers, locals and artists to be creative using materials found on the Hokitika beach. This event is a great example of Hokitika’s vibrant Arts and Craft scene.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Ride

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network of Great Rides. A grade 1 to 2 easy NZ cycle trail, this fabulous cycling adventure guarantees an outstanding landscape ride through dense rainforest, past glacial rivers and lakes and through wetlands, all the way from the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps to the ocean.

http://www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz/

Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere at Hokitika, West Coast, New Zealand is 19km from Hokitika. It is a popular spot for picnicking, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, walking and mountain biking. Visit the Hokitika Gorge, Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere for a wonderful scenic driving loop. Arguably one of the countries most beautiful lakes, it is located in the Lake Kaniere scenic reserve surrounded on three sides by mountains that are capped in snow during winter.

http://www.hokitika.org/places/61/Lake-Kaniere

Mountain Biking

Blue Spur tracks

Mountain Biking in Hokitika, West Coast New Zealand on the Blue Spur mountain bike tracks. 10 tracks of sweet mountain bike riding just a few kilometres from Hokitika. There’s about 17kms of mountain biking, mostly grade 3 to 5 suiting intermediate and advanced riders. They get better every time you ride them. The mountain bike tracks are in the Blue Spur area and include the Gravel Pit, Stags Drop, The Cutting, Slow Girls and the Tunnel Track.

http://www.hokitika.org/see/outdoors/54/Mountain-Biking—Cycling