14 Sep 2025

Regional Wrap: The untamed and wild Hokitika

From Culture 101, 1:27 pm on 14 September 2025

The untamed and wild Hokitika is better known these days as the "Cool Little Town." Located on the West Coast of the South Island, it's about 40 minutes from Greytown. It's home to the largestiwi in South Island, Ngai Tahu or Kai Tahu and was also the centre of the West Coast gold rush in the 19th century. It's a place where nature and culture collides; with a dramatic beachs, nature walks, lakes, rivers and mountain views. There's also the dramatic turquoise blue Hokitika Gorge and the Arahura River is a traditional source of pounamu - greenstone. The town features an historic walk showcasing old buildings and an annual iconic event - the Wildfoods Festival held at the end of summer. Resident and wildlife and landscape photographer, Juergen Schacke, joins Culture 101.