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The Best Hotels to Book in Hokitika, New Zealand

Hokitika is a well-connected base from which to explore the west coast of the South Island
Hokitika is a well-connected base from which to explore the west coast of the South Island | © Travelling Light / Alamy Stock Photo

A 19th-century gold rush town. The jade capital of New Zealand. The backdrop for the Man Booker prize-winning novel and TV series, The Luminaries. Hokitika has an impressive history and array of attractions, making it a great base from which to explore the west side of the South Island. Ready to go? Check out our list of the best hotels in Hokitika – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Beachfront Hotel

Hotel

Indoor and outdoor dining room at the Beachfront Hotel, with wooden beams, hanging lights and sea views
Courtesy of Beachfront Hotel / Expedia

As the name suggests, you can enjoy Tasman Sea views from the restaurant and best rooms at this modern hotel in Hokitika – but you’re still in the centre of town. Quirky sights such as the Hokitika Sock Machine Museum are just next door. However, if you want a seriously special souvenir, browse the carved and polished greenstone at Traditional Jade on Tancred Street; here you can see how the raw material – known in Māori as pounamu – is transformed into jewellery and ornaments.

Heritage Highway Motel

Motel

Front entrance to Heritage Highway Motel has a large parking area with tall trees and a large gate
Courtesy of Heritage Highway Motel / Booking.com

These self-contained studios and apartments tick lots of boxes; they’re clean, budget-friendly and come with verandas and big bathrooms. Are you a keen cyclist? The motel is moments from the West Coast Wilderness Cycleway. Hire a bike or bring your own to traverse wetlands and native forests. Cycle to Ross; it’s a quaint gold rush town 33km (20mi) away. Book a shuttle in advance if you can’t face the journey back to Hokitika.

Stopforths Premium Accommodation

Motel

Room at Stopforths Premium Accommodation has large double bed, light decor and an ocean photograph on the wall
Courtesy of Stopforths Premium Accommodation / Expedia

The best rooms at owners Sonja and Philip’s cosy aparthotel have jacuzzis and views of the Southern Alps. By day, you can hire mountain bikes and kayaks to explore the coast. After dark, join astronomy buff Philip on a stargazing tour or drive a few minutes north to the Glow Worm Dell to see a leafy canyon twinkle like the sky above.

Bella Vista Hokitika

Motel

Room at Bella Vista Hokitika has a work desk, chair, TV and a kitchenette
Courtesy of Bella Vista Hokitika / Expedia

Close to the train station and the 120-year-old town clock, these compact studios and apartments are good value and can sleep up to four. Take a day trip 30km (19mi) south to Hokitika Gorge, where you can walk a 2km (1.2mi) loop along a scenic boardwalk, taking in the glacial-blue river from a pair of swing bridges.

Hokitikas Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels

Motel

Exterior of Hokitikas Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels has white wood and blue walls, with a bright blue furniture set
Courtesy of Hokitikas Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels / Expedia

Like the idea of camping, but prefer carpet underfoot and a solid roof overhead? This family-friendly holiday park has a selection of basic cabins and apartments, plus a huge playground with a giant “jumping pillow”. Furthermore, the airport is just next door and the town is only a 20-minute walk away. What’s not to like?

Fitzherbert Court Motel

Motel

Lounge area at Fitzherbert Court Motel has a TV, two brown sofas, a dining table and a small kitchen
Courtesy of Fitzherbert Court Motel / Expedia

You’ll be welcomed to your smart studio by lovely host Karen; she can help you plan your west coast adventures or a trip to Lake Brunner, which is a fine spot for swimming, stand-up paddle-boarding, fishing and hiking. Back in Hokitika, walk south along the black sand beach until you get to town – you can’t beat the whitebait pizza at Fat Pipi Pizzas for dinner – or keep going until you reach Sunset Point to watch the sky turn orange, pink and purple over the Tasman Sea.

Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation

Apartment

Log cabin at Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation has a small bed, large chair and a kitchenette area
Courtesy of Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation / Expedia

This cluster of chalets and apartments north of Hokitika overlook crashing waves – the best have broad verandas and spa baths. Animal lovers will enjoy getting to know the resident alpacas, goats and pigs. Want to explore the wider region? The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are an hour’s drive away; these heavily eroded limestone formations are best viewed at high tide when the blowholes are at their most impressive.

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