Driving Arthur’s Pass: What to See on Your Way to Hokitika
- Barbara
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
What to see on your way to Hokitika? Drive through Arthur's Pass and discover must see
Table of Contents:
Our journey kicked off in Christchurch, heading toward the rugged West Coast. The drive to Hokitika takes about 3.5 hours, slicing right through the heart of the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass National Park.
So what is there to see in Hokitika and Arthur's Pass?
Must-See Stops in Arthur’s Pass
The scenery through the pass is nothing short of cinematic. We found ourselves often pulling over just to admire the scenery and take pictures!
Castle Hill (Kura Tawhiti):
One of the most beautiful spots in Arthur's Pass National Park is Castle Hill. Giant rock boulders scattered across the green hills. Castle Hill is considered spiritually and culturally important in Maori culture, in fact the site was in the past used for ceremonial rituals. The rocks are made of limestone and were modelled by the environment over the centuries. This striking scenery is also where some scenes of the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ were filmed. For stopping at Castle Hill, there is a big parking lot and a loop slightly uphill that takes you in and around the rocks. Entrance is free and you can spend as much time as you want.
Chasing Waterfalls: If you have an extra hour, stop for these two waterfalls lookout:
Bridal Veil Falls Lookout: A gentle 20-minute stroll from the carpark.
Devils Punchbowl Falls: A slightly longer 30-minute walk, but very manageable.
Travel Pro-Tip: The road across Arthur’s Pass can occasionally close due to snow or flooding. Before you head out, check the NZTA Highway Conditions for live updates.
Things to do in Hokitika:
Once we arrived in Hokitika we visited some friends and stopped here overnight. Although relatively small town by the seaside there are a few things to do:
1. Visit the National Kiwi Center:
This is a must-visit, especially for families. It’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Adult tickets are $39), and timing your visit with the feeding sessions is key!
Animals and things to do at the National Kiwi Center:
Kiwis: One of the main reasons to visit the National Kiwi Center is to see the kiwis. They have two kiwis in a darkish room, they are nocturnal birds, so the dark room reflects their natural environment. You may have to be patient as they like to hide in the foliage and the best time to see them is during feeding time (which happens after the Eels feeding). Photos are not allowed to protect them.
Giant Eels: Here you can also see and feed Giant Eels. The Giant Eels at the National Kiwi Center are all female, between 80-100 years old and they were rescued from a pond in a disused factory. The feeding happens at 10:00, at 12:00 and at 15:00. A staff member will give you a small piece of fish or meat and you can feed them from a platform.
Tuatara: Here you can have the rare opportunity to see the Tuatara, a reptile which was alive during the dinosaur period! They were once thought to be extinct until they were found on a small island and re-introduced into the mainland thanks to a breeding program.
Catch and release crayfish: Another activity to do there is to visit the pond, where you can catch and release crayfish, by using a line, a rod and a small net (no hooks!).
2. Find Jade on the beach
Hokitika is famous for Pounamu (Jade). The best time to go is at low tide after a heavy rain. Look for that distinct green glow, but don't be fooled by other rocks similar to jade like serpentine or green quartz!
The best thing is to take the green rocks you find to a shop that specialise in stone identification to confirm your findings.
Stop at the Hokitika Driftwood sign
As you walk towards the beach, grab a photo with the iconic Hokitika driftwood sign!
4. See glowworms at the Glowworm Dell
Just outside of town you can find a "secret" spot that comes alive after dark. A short, uphill walk leads you to a wall shimmering with thousands of tiny lights… glowworms! Just remember: look, but don't touch! The glowworms are incredibly delicate. It is free to visit and you should visit at night to see them.
Where to Stay & Eat
Stay: We stayed at the Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation, in a charming wooden cabin with ocean views. They also have onsite alpacas and goats, which were the absolute cherry on top!
Eat: For a delicious meal and a great atmosphere, head to Thatcher & Small. It’s the perfect spot to toast to a successful road trip.
If you’re planning your own South Island adventure, make sure this route is at the very top of your list!
The drive from Christchurch to Hokitika is a drive that reminds you that sometimes, the journey really is just as incredible as the destination.
You can also read past blog posts: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Auckland Coromandel and Hobbiton must-do Rotorua and Taupō top things to do
Windy Wellington top things to do Top Things to Do in Kaikoura: Dolphins, Whales, and Marlborough Wine 10 Best Things to Do in Christchurch
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All recommendations in this article are 100% based on my personal experience and are currently unpaid. I aim to keep my content genuine, but please note that I am open to future collaborations, and any paid partnerships will always be clearly disclosed.
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