Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in West Coast Region, South Island

The Hokitika Craft Gallery is a unique space displaying a rich variety of both art and craftwork. It provides an excellent opportunity to buy exciting works made locally and showcases the talent, skill and originality of some of the very best creative people on the West Coast and the rest of Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Off-roading in the Heart of New Zealand’s unique and mystical rainforest, surrounded by native trees, ferns and bush. The landowners have spent more than 20 years creating an offroad paradise of tracks always mindful of retaining the natural character and beauty of the area. You will be enchanted by the gorgeous ferns and mosses that line these tracks along with stunning views over the river valley. The best part of your journey through this wonderland is the mud and water which naturally pool on the tracks. After a good downpour of rain, rivers of water flow down parts of the trail and the mud is replenished for play. No need to worry about keeping clean as boots and protective clothing are supplied to keep you dry. We offer 1hr, 2hr or 90mins adventure tours, 7 days a week. Our vehicle fleet consists of quad bikes, 1, 2 and 4-seater buggies, kid’s quads and the mighty Hagglund. Our knowledgeable guides with their off-road skills mean that you can be sure of an adventure you'll love!

At the Wilderness Gallery award winning wildlife and landscape photographer Juergen Schacke's stunning photography is complemented by a variety of unique handcrafted giftware by handpicked New Zealand artists - jewellery, woodware, pottery, sculptures, bronze, stone all 100% New Zealand made. Artwork can be packed and shipped worldwide. Lately the Gallery has introduced new artwork from some of New Zealand finest artists: Marc Zuckerman MZ design contemporary woodware, Chris Weaver pottery, Jay Lloyd bronze artist, Mark Dimock wood carver /sculpturer. Aden Hoglund and Peter Bishop- jade carvers.

On the road to Shantytown, just 600 metres from the main road, you will find Garth Wilson's Jade studio and gallery. With a large parking and turning area you can come in and see Garth carving New Zealand pounamu (jade). Garth is a descendant of the Ngati Mahaki and Ngati Waewae tribes who were the original pounamu traders in New Zealand. This allows Garth and his family customary rights to go onto West Coast mountain sides and rivers to collect the pounamu (jade) themselves. Garth hand draws the designs and carves all sculptures, pendants and jewellery from New Zealand stone. Come in and handle some of the best New Zealand pounamu, find out about Garth's family history with the Pounamu, see some of our artefacts and discover the meanings and stories behind the Maori designs. Garth Wilson Jade - for that special piece!

Our distillery is located in Reefton, in the untamed natural wilderness of the South Island's West Coast. From a history rich in adventure, gold and innovation, we draw inspiration for our premium range of gins, liqueurs and whisky, using locally sourced native botanicals. We offer a range of Distillery tours and escape packages.

At Monteith's Brewing Company we love beer. We are also very proud of our newly refurbished brewery. Come and enjoy our locally brewed award winning beers. It doesn't get any fresher than this. Join us on our brewery experience as we guide you through the traditions and heritage of our brewing establishment. You will experience and taste our ever changing and innovative brews; some of which are exclusively produced and sold here by our brewers at Monteith's Brewing Company. We have a tapas style kitchen menu, with beer-match recommendations made by our beer ambassadors to ensure that you get the best Monteith's beer and food experience. HOURS: Summer (Nov-Apr) 11am-9pm Winter (May-Oct) 11am-8pm

Originally closed due to seismic concerns, the Carnegie Building (front of museum) has been reopened and is currently managed & staffed daily from 10am to 2pm and has a number of Museum displays. Hokitika Museum staff are as busy as ever, working behind the scenes to care for the vast collection of treasures belonging to the people of Westland, including new items that have recently been donated. Staff are involved in planning new exhibits for the Museum once it reopens.