Bella Vista Motel Hokitika

• Guest laundry facilities
• Unlimited free Wifi
• Sky Guest Select with over 50 viewing channels
• Secure garaging for motor bikes & cycles.
• Children under 2 free
• Free parking
• Type 2 EV chargers. Please pre-book.

• Continental breakfast on request
• Non-smoking units throughout
• Units serviced daily
• Access units
• Cot/highchair available

West Coast seaside town to experience the thrill of these days.  The town today has embraced a slow-paced artisanal vibe and having the beach and bush right on its doorstep provides a plethora of activities, adventures and experiences you won’t want to miss.

Sunset Point & Hokitika Beach

There’s no better place in New Zealand to view some spectacular sunsets than on the West Coast. Head to Sunset Point at the entrance to the Hokitika Harbour.  Sit back and watch the dazzling display as the sky turns shades of pink and orange. Only three minutes from our Hokitika motel.

The Hokitika Beach is a fantastic place to scour the beach for Pounamu (NZ Jade) and let the kids scramble over the rocks or hunt for pieces of driftwood. There’s an iconic monument to the large amount of driftwood that the beach collects which is the Hokitika Sign!

Glow Worm Dell

The Glow Worm Dell is a must-see, located just north of the town, a 50-metre track leads to a natural fern grotto by day and a magical world of glow worms by night.  Take a torch and the coolest thing is that is free!! Its only 2 minutes from our Hokitika motels.

Arts and Crafts

Hokitika is home to many artisans.  Pounamu (NZ Jade) and gold is sourced locally and feature in many of the works.  Take time to meander around town and visit these craft shops to watch the artists at work – discover the art of jade carving and glass blowing.  It’s interesting even for the kids!  They can even have a go at carving their own jade or bone piece.

Visit the Wildnerness Gallery, featuring the award-winning photography of Juergen Schacke, His photography exquisitely captures New Zealand’s wildlife and stunning landscapes and is complemented with other unique handcrafted art and crafts from local artists. A great place to find your own little spirit of the coast to take home!

Hokitika Museum

The Hokitika Museum is a great place to browse if you are interested in delving deeper into the fascinating history of Hokitika. The museum covers much of the town’s unique past including the days of the gold rush era, the thriving whitebait industry, stories about the early pioneers and more. Housed in a beautiful old building and open daily, it’s a great way to spend a few hours. Its only 2 minutes from our Hokitika accommodation. 

National Kiwi Centre

Situated in the heart of Hokitika, the National Kiwi Centre is the place to go to get up close and personal with some of our country’s icons.  Learn about our national bird, the Kiwi, as you watch it scurry around its custom-built nocturnal home. Feed the biggest eels in the world or view New Zealand’s ‘oldest dinosaur’, the Tuatara.

Lake Kaniere

A beautiful lake located 30km southwest of our Hokitika motel among lush native bush featuring waterfalls, great picnic and fishing spots plus it’s a wonderful spot for birdwatching!  Lake Kaniere is a great place to explore by way of the many trails. From short walks like the Kahikatea Forest Walk amongst the ‘Giants of the Forest’, New Zealand’s tallest forest tree; to a longer historic Kaniere Water Race Walkway.   Take a picnic and easily amble away the day.

Hokitika Gorge

The Hokitika Gorge can be combined in a scenic loop with Lake Kaniere and Dorothy Falls.  The bright blue-green waters of the Hokitika gorge against the surrounding bush and rocky outcrops make a stunning contrast and are well worth the visit.  There’s an easy walk to take in the gorge in all its splendour, with viewing platforms, an impressive swing bridge and curving boardwalks. Its only 30 minutes drive from our Hokitika motel.

Hokitika Heritage Trail

The heritage trail is an 11km loop around the town that takes in interesting Goldrush sites, buildings, statues and views.  There are information panels along the way that bring the history to life. The start of the trail is only 4-minute walk from our Hokitika motel. 

Goldsborough and Tunnel Terrace Walk

Just as the name suggests Goldsborough is known for its gold mining history and scenic surroundings. Get the kids out searching for gold on some of the great little walks in the area.  The 20-minute Tunnel Terrace Walk starts and ends through old gold mining terrace tunnels.  The track meanders through a regenerating forest and through old gold workings.

Treetop Walk & Café

Located 15 minutes south of our Hokitika motel, experience an exhilarating treetop adventure among a canopy of mature Rimu forest on a 450-metre-long elevated steel walkway, viewing tower and gently swaying cantilever.  Take a moment to listen to the native bird song and life among the trees.  Spectacular views can be had of nearby Lake Mahininapua, the surrounding forest and the Southern Alps.

Lake Mahininapua

Lake Mahinapua is located just 10km south of Hokitika and the scenic reserve has a number of short walking tracks around the area. A local favourite among these is the Mananui Tramline walk. It’s an easy 2-hour stroll that follows an old logging tramline along boardwalks, through a forest and past an old sawmill site from the 1800s. Try and spot some of the birds that live around the lagoon such as black swans,  grey ducks and mallard ducks while the surrounding bush provides a habitat for species such as parakeets and tui.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is one of New Zealand’s most stunning cycle rides featuring rugged coastlines, wild landscapes and dramatic alpine views. It is easy Grade 2 riding on smooth trails with just a few short climbing sections.

It starts in the town of Ross, comes up through Hokitika, and heads east through the mountains before turning north towards Greymouth. The whole trail is 132 km in total which can be completed over 4 days or just opt to do a day ride.  You can be shuttled out to different parts of the trail along with hiring any bike/equipment.

Wild Food Festival

If you are daring and brave enough to try some wild and weird West Coast delicacies – check out the Wild Food Festival in Hokitika. From Huhu grubs or horse protein shots to whitebait fritters and gorse flower wine there is an array of food on offer to entertain your taste buds.  Live music, stage performances, buskers, a huge kiddie corner and the “Feral Fashion’ contest bring a great vibe to keep you entertained all day long. Feel free to dress up in your wildest attire and immerse yourself in this unique festival.

Punakaiki Rocks/ Arthurs Pass

A trip up to Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks or Arthurs Pass are good options for sightseeing further afar. The Pancake Rocks are an easily reached 1-hour 15-minute drive north of our Hokitika accommodation.  They’re a natural limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. And don’t let any rain stop you.  When the sea is stormy, you’ll see the blowholes in full action.  Arthur’s Pass is approx. 1 hour 30 mins inland in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Bella Vista Hokitika will happily offer local advice on any of these activities and will gladly facilitate complimentary reservations should an activity require a booking