What to do and see in West Coast Region, South Island: The Best Museums

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.

Bonz N Stonz is a boutique carving studio in Hokitika, South Island New Zealand. We provide a 360° experience that allows you to experience the New Zealand tradition of carving. In our sessions you will learn about the signficance of carving in Maori culture. With the help of our master carvers we will teach you carving skills and help you design your own piece to take home. You can carve a piece from jade, bone, or shell.

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.

Colour and Black and White Landscape Photography and New Zealand landscape books by Andris Apse. My Okarito Gallery is open every day in January, February and March, however, there will be times when I am away from the Gallery, so please contact me before driving to Okarito. For the remainder of the year and opening hours verification, please contact me to arrange a visit.

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.

ReflectioNZ Gifts and Gallery at Fox Glacier showcases a carefully selected, contemporary range of wares with a New Zealand flavour. This secret gem offers a fantastic selection of products in a modern and relaxing shopping environment at the entrance to the Lake Matheson Walkway. From New Zealand made gifts and artwork to souvenirs, designer merino garments, West Coast greenstone and New Zealand themed jewellery, ReflectioNZ has something for everyone at every budget. Enjoy world-class views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman whilst dining at our contemporary style café next door. One of N.Z.'s greatest scenic icons, Lake Matheson is renowned for its stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Just five kilometres from Fox Glacier.

Set in our home our studio offers a friendly environment to carve a traditional or contemporary piece of New Zealand Stone - Nephrite Jade, Tangi Wai, Aotea, Rhodonite. Open 7 days a week at our home based studio. People of all ages and nationalities have had the chance to carve their own piece of our culture either as a gift or for themselves. This activity generally takes 1-2 hours depending on what we are carving. No artistic ability is required and people have really surprised themselves with what they have achieved. Its all about putting your energy into our special stones by making it yourself. A very unique souvenir unlike any other either for yourself or as a special gift.