Best way to get there: Air New Zealand or The Tranz Alpine Express train from Christchurch.
Hokitika was boom town during the 1860’s gold rush, and now is a great place to get New Zealand Greenstone (Jade). However the reason I came here is that in mid-March each year this place goes just nuts for the weirdest food you can ever imagine! It’s the Hokitika Wild Food Festival. We are talking hard core foods. Live Huhu grubs, deep fried Crickets, earthworms in Red Bull and something called “Mountain Oysters” which you have to watch the video to discover what these are.
Once my stomach settled down, I checked out a few other adventure activities and sights on this amazing West Coast of New Zealand.
RANZ JOSEF GLACIER EXPERIENCE!
The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast Glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. The ultimate New Zealand adventure tour.
Hukawai Indoor Ice Climbing
Challenge yourself by climbing the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor ice climbing wall! Loads of fun and satisfaction for anyone keen to have a go at this unique glacial sport.
