Hokitika is the hub of Westland and is a small town with a welcoming, cosmopolitan vibe. Home of the annual Hokitika Wildfoods Festival and many other popular events, including an annual Children’s Day celebration, the Driftwood and Sand Festival on Hokitika beach and the Midwinter Lantern Parade.
With a vibrant arts community, and frequent musical and theatrical productions (including an annual Westland High School production) enjoyed by locals at venues such as the Old Lodge Theatre and Hokitika’s Regent Theatre there is an abundance of creative pursuits to engage in.
This town of 3,500 people is the only town on the entire West Coast which is serviced by daily Air New Zealand flights.
Many popular bushwalks, lakes and outdoor attractions are within 35 minutes of Hokitika including Lake Kaniere, Dorothy Falls, Hokitika Gorge and Lake Mahinapua. Other popular outdoor activities include The West Coast Wilderness Trail, whitebaiting, equestrian, hunting and fishing or golf. The Hokitika Golf course is one of only 9 True Links Golf course in New Zealand and is one of only 247 in the world!
Hokitika is also the centre of dairy processing on the West Coast. Westland Milk Products has the only milk processing plant on the West Coast, and is one of the district’s largest employers. This ‘Cool Little Town’ is a small town with a busy economy. With the growth of tourism in more recent years, significant growth in other industries including accommodation, outdoor recreation businesses and pounamu carving has emerged.
Don’t just take our word for it. Find out just how wonderful Hokitika and Westland High School are from some of our international students.
Still not convinced? Hear more from some of our German international students, Westland High School 2023 International students or visit this page to see just a few of the things to see and do in Hokitika including a calendar of popular annual events. You can also read more about the wider West Coast region. Whether you’re looking for a change of pace, creative inspiration or sports and access to a pristine outdoor playground then Hokitika is the place for you!
If you’re interested in a position at Westland High School visit the website links below for current vacancies:
