Hokitika is a surprisingly vibrant town on New Zealand’s West Coast, famous for its rugged natural beauty and creative spirit. Unlike more touristy spots, Hokitika offers authentic experiences like exploring Hokitika Gorge, shopping for pounamu (greenstone), and enjoying lush rainforests. We particularly love the Hokitika Sign — a driftwood sculpture that captures the town’s artistic vibe. Many tours here combine stunning scenery with engaging activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the region.
One reason Hokitika shines for tours is its location as a hub for the West Coast’s natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls, and forests. Whether you’re interested in a scenic train journey, rainforest adventure, or wildlife encounter, Hokitika has options that suit a variety of interests. For example, the Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train combines a stunning train ride with a scenic transfer, while the Hokitika: West Coast Tree Top Tower Zip Line and Walk blends rainforest exploration with adrenaline-pumping zip-lining. Keep reading to find the right tour for your interests.
1. Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train
This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef with a focus on scenery and comfort. It starts with the iconic TranzAlpine train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth, renowned as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. You’ll see the Southern Alps, Hokitika Gorge, and the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall along the way. After the train, a small-group transfer will take you to Franz Josef, allowing you to enjoy the highlights of Hokitika, including the Hokitika Sign, made of driftwood and symbolizing the town’s creative flair.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of spectacular train travel and personalized small-group transfers. The train ride itself offers panoramic views of lush forests and rugged mountains, making it an unforgettable experience. The tour includes stops at Hokitika, where you can explore the town and see the gorge, adding a touch of local culture to your journey. With a price of $322, the value is excellent considering the full-day experience with guided commentary.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic travel and want a hassle-free way to combine multiple highlights in one day. The only potential downside is the 12-hour duration, which might be long for very leisurely travelers.
Bottom Line: A scenic, comfortable, and comprehensive way to see the West Coast with a focus on iconic landmarks and a relaxing train ride.
2. Hokitika: West Coast Tree Top Tower Zip Line and Walk
For a dose of adrenaline balanced with rainforest views, the Hokitika Tree Top Tower Zip Line and Walk is hard to beat. In just two hours, you’ll experience a treetop walk among ancient rainforest and zip-line from the towering spiral observation tower to peer over the lush canopy. The tour reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h, giving you a thrilling rush and incredible panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.
What makes this tour special is its combination of educational insight and adventure. Your guide will share stories about the rainforest’s climate and wildlife as you walk among towering trees. The spiral tower is a highlight, offering sweeping vistas that are perfect for photos. After the adrenaline rush, you can unwind at the on-site cafe, making it a well-rounded half-day outing.
Rated 4.2/5 from 40 reviews, this tour is ideal for active travelers who want a fun, engaging experience that combines nature and excitement. The price point of $70 makes it accessible, especially given the high-quality views and activity level. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a brisk outdoor adventure.
Bottom Line: An energetic and scenic rainforest adventure that combines the thrill of zip-lining with stunning treetop views.
3. Hokitika: The National Kiwi Centre Tickets
If you’re eager to get up close with New Zealand’s iconic wildlife, the National Kiwi Centre offers an intimate look at the country’s famous birds. At just $21, this one-hour visit includes exhibits featuring kiwi, tuatara, giant eel, and whitebait. The highlight is the opportunity to see kiwis — the flightless, nocturnal bird that symbolizes New Zealand.
The Centre’s interactive displays and dedicated staff make this a memorable experience. You can watch the giant eels being fed throughout the day and learn about the ecological importance of these native species. The kiwis are housed in a dark, quiet environment to mimic their natural habitat, providing a respectful and authentic viewing experience.
Rated 4.3/5 from 24 reviews, this tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in New Zealand’s unique fauna. It’s a quick stop but offers a meaningful connection to the country’s natural heritage. The modest cost makes it a great addition to any Hokitika visit.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, engaging wildlife experience that gives insight into New Zealand’s most beloved and mysterious native birds.
4. Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika 1 Way Day Tour
This tour is designed for travelers wanting to explore the West Coast’s top sights while traveling from Franz Josef to Christchurch. It includes visits to Castle Hill, famous for its limestone rock formations, and the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, a stunning 131-meter cascade. The tour also stops at Arthurs Pass Village, a charming alpine retreat, and offers panoramic views from the Otira Lookout.
The journey combines scenic driving with several must-see spots, including Hokitika and its iconic Sign, a driftwood sculpture. The price of $170 offers good value given the full day of sightseeing and convenience of transportation. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the West Coast’s natural and cultural highlights in one day.
Rated 5/5 from a single review, this tour is praised for its well-paced itinerary and friendly guides. It’s best suited for those keen to maximize sightseeing without extra planning.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a well-organized day of West Coast highlights en route to Christchurch.
$170 per person
5. Christchurch to Franz Josef Tour with TranzAlpine (1 way)
This tour offers a carbon-neutral way to experience the stunning scenery from Christchurch to Franz Josef. It begins with the famous TranzAlpine train ride, traversing lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and the vast Canterbury Plains. You’ll then have the option to visit Hokitika, including the chance to see the Hokitika Gorge.
The package is priced at $331, which includes the scenic train journey, lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks, adding both comfort and value. The train ride itself is a highlight, often cited as one of the best in the world for its panoramic windows and smooth ride.
Ideal for eco-conscious travelers who want a seamless, scenic transfer combined with a touch of Hokitika’s charm, this tour balances transportation with sightseeing. The limited reviews reflect its recent launch, but the experience aligns with travelers looking for quality over quantity.
Bottom Line: A scenic, environmentally friendly way to travel between Christchurch and Franz Josef, with added time in Hokitika.
6. Franz Josef to Christchurch 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train
This comprehensive tour mirrors the previous one but in reverse, offering a full-day exploration of the West Coast’s most scenic spots. Traveling from Franz Josef to Christchurch, it includes stops at Hokitika and Hokitika Gorge, with a scenic TranzAlpine train experience along the way. The tour also features a visit to the Hokitika Sign, a favorite photo spot, and up-close views of the Southern Alps.
Priced at $322, this tour is a full-package experience blending scenic train travel, local sightseeing, and authentic West Coast highlights. It’s great for travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one transfer that covers the top sights without extra planning.
Rated with no reviews yet, its appeal lies in the combination of convenience and scenic splendor, especially for those wanting an easy, comfortable trip across the region.
Bottom Line: All-in-one scenic transfer with plenty of West Coast highlights, ideal for travelers wanting to combine transportation with sightseeing.
$322 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your Hokitika tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If scenery and comfort top your list, the Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train offers a luxurious, picture-perfect journey. For those craving an active adventure, the Hokitika Tree Top Tower Zip Line and Walk provides a quick yet exhilarating rainforest experience.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the Kiwi Centre, which offers an intimate look at native birds, while travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing might prefer the Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika or its reverse. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Hokitika’s diverse range of tours provides options for scenic travelers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. If you want a luxurious journey with scenic train rides, the Christchurch to Franz Josef inc TranzAlpine is hard to beat. For a high-energy rainforest outing, the Tree Top Tower Zip Line is perfect. Wildlife fans should not miss the Kiwi Centre, which offers a close-up look at New Zealand’s beloved birds.
No matter what your interests or schedule, Hokitika’s tours are worth booking early. They provide a genuine taste of the West Coast’s rugged beauty and creative spirit, making your visit truly memorable.