Wednesday 29 August 2012

Hokitika and its Part in West Coast History

By Margery Pick


The lure of gold was too strong for some people to resist and they flocked towards remote areas seeking the riches that were under discussion. Yielding to the call of adventure, thousands of people headed towards the unsettled area if New Zealand called the West Coast. It is easy to wonder exactly how wanderlust affected this future city. The interesting beginning of Hokitika in the 1860s moved towards the future with several areas of development.

The hope for riches lured professionals and laborers to the unsettled West Coast and the chance to find the mother lode. Blazing the trail towards a chance at riches involved leading the way through wilderness. Following the prospectors with wagons loaded with supplies to sell for gold, businesses acquired a great deal of money, as well. Fortunately, more gold deposits appeared around Hokitika after the meager initial findings. The gold rush is the beginning of the story of hokitika accommodation and the rooms provided for prospectors. Filled to capacity by the end of 1865, many of the seventy-two hotels had a bar and place to eat.

Others quickly followed those who headed towards the goldfields and the growth of businesses and citizens around the hokitika accommodation area. Access to the sea brought the idea of creating a commercial port to provide quicker access to supplies and a faster means of transportation to other areas. Acknowledged as the West Coast's official port of entry until the 1950s, it was also one of the most dangerous, with thirty-two ships lost between 1865 and 1867. At times, ships were required to wait offshore until some of the forty or more ships in the harbor departed.

The town had the short-lived title of capital of Westland Province between 1873 and the end of provinces in 1876. Agriculture and retail business became alternative ways for residents to make a living once the production of gold decreased. That foresight continues to let the current residents survive. One of the biggest sources of income today is tourism.

Technology has led to an easier way of obtaining gold, providing the opportunity for tourists to see modern methods of mining in the gold camps. With so many different items available for local artists to use in their trade, locals and tourists find a number of gift items. Local silver and greenstone vie with paua shell and driftwood for jewelry and sculptures. Arrive by car or plane and take a bus ride around the area, thanks to scheduled stops that drop off near Hokitika motels and hotels. The sunshine provides a wonderful feeling when walking towards your daily destination.

The variety of housing allows guests to choose the stay that fits them best, including a camping or backpacking experience. Trees and gardens, part of the beauty of this area, provide a habitat for many lovely creatures such as birds and butterflies. Bed and breakfasts are delightful places to share travel experiences, pictures and a meal or two with other guests. Staying at a lodge near town gives visitors the ability to walk on the shore and take in the lovely ocean view, as well as discuss the options of which areas are the most intriguing to visit.




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