Location: Hokitika Township | Accessibility: Fully Accessible | Duration: 1–2 hours | Cost: Free

Hokitika town center is a living museum, and the best way to see it is via the self-guided Heritage Walk. This is an excellent top things to do option for your first morning in town, allowing you to get your bearings while soaking up the local culture.

The walk covers the main streets and the riverfront, passing several protected historic buildings.As a visitor, you will encounter sites like the iconic Clock Tower, the Custom House, and the Carnegie Building (which houses the local museum).

The town was once the busiest port in New Zealand during the gold rush, and the heritage plaques along the walking track tell stories of shipwrecks, fortune-seekers, and the thriving pounamu trade.Beyond history, the walk takes you past world-class glass-blowing studios and greenstone carving galleries where you can often watch artists at work for free.

The streets are wide and flat, making this a very easy stroll for all ages. It captures the unique blend of Victorian history and modern “cool” that makes this West Coast town so endearing. We loved our time here, especially the close proximity to the amazing beach.