New Zealand · West Coast
Hokitika & Greenstone Country
The vivid turquoise Hokitika Gorge, Māori greenstone (pounamu) carving and a charming gold-rush town.
About Hokitika & Greenstone Country
Hokitika is the cultural capital of the West Coast — a small seaside town with a long history of gold mining and pounamu (greenstone) carving. Pounamu is sacred to Māori, and the West Coast is the only place in New Zealand where it is found.
Just inland, the Hokitika Gorge serves up perhaps the most surreal water colour in the country: a glowing turquoise river fed by glacial flour, crossed by a swing bridge and looped by an easy boardwalk through native bush.
While You're There
What to See & Do
- Hokitika Gorge swing bridge and turquoise river
- Pounamu (greenstone) carving studios in town
- Driftwood-strewn Hokitika Beach at sunset
- National Kiwi Centre and glow-worm dell
- Optional detour to the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival (March)
How We Can Arrange It
We'll Take Care of the Details
As your booking agent, Mercury Pacific can include Hokitika & Greenstone Country in your tailored itinerary. Here's what we'll handle and advise on so you can simply enjoy the experience:
Hokitika Gorge loop is 1.1km and takes 30 minutes
Buy carved pounamu only from authorised West Coast carvers
Sunset on Hokitika Beach is a coastal highlight
Every detail — bookings, timings and transfers — is arranged for you as part of your Mercury Pacific tour.
When to Visit
October to April for warmer days; gorge colour is brightest after settled weather.
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