Like many other areas around the world, the city and area around Hokitika was born from the fever of those seeking their fortune in gold. Anxious to arrive and establish a claim, daring citizens left their homes and headed towards the unsettled parts of New Zealand. This modern city owes much to those who came searching for gold. Starting in the 1860s, Hokitika has a history familiar to quite a few areas built on gold.
Thousands of people changed their lifestyle to head towards the uncertain promise of gold on the land near the Tasman Sea. That involved the arduous task of clearing roads and paths by cutting through the bush. Business owners also sought a fortune as they followed the cleared area with supplies that miners would need for survival or comfort. Alluvial deposits were quite disappointing at first, but more gold was discovered. hokitika accommodation began its long history with the gold rush and the discovery of more gold required more rooms. Seventy-two filled hotels in 186, in addition to serving food and drink, indicated the new settlement was a good investment.
The population continued to grow and by 1867, Hokitika was one of the largest centers of residents in the country. The town continued to grow when the port was finished and ships were able to bring in passengers and supplies, as well as take them out. Thirty-two were lost and hundreds damaged from 1865 through 1867 entering this dangerous waterway, though it was the official entry port for the West Coast up to the 1950s. 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. Settlers decided to stay in the area even though the mining of gold dwindled away and found other types of jobs. That foresight continues to let the current residents survive. Tourism is one of the area's largest businesses today.
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. Transportation to the city is readily available and once there, visitors will find it easy to travel to and from hokitika motels using local buses. 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. Places near the beach offer beautiful views of the Tasman Sea and allow glimpses of the native birds flitting about the gardens. Bed and breakfasts are delightful places to share travel experiences, pictures and a meal or two with other guests. A lodge gives the opportunity to meet and talk with locals and other visitors, comparing notes about what to see and do, such as strolling along the beach looking for shells and admiring the sunset.
Thousands of people changed their lifestyle to head towards the uncertain promise of gold on the land near the Tasman Sea. That involved the arduous task of clearing roads and paths by cutting through the bush. Business owners also sought a fortune as they followed the cleared area with supplies that miners would need for survival or comfort. Alluvial deposits were quite disappointing at first, but more gold was discovered. hokitika accommodation began its long history with the gold rush and the discovery of more gold required more rooms. Seventy-two filled hotels in 186, in addition to serving food and drink, indicated the new settlement was a good investment.
The population continued to grow and by 1867, Hokitika was one of the largest centers of residents in the country. The town continued to grow when the port was finished and ships were able to bring in passengers and supplies, as well as take them out. Thirty-two were lost and hundreds damaged from 1865 through 1867 entering this dangerous waterway, though it was the official entry port for the West Coast up to the 1950s. 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. Settlers decided to stay in the area even though the mining of gold dwindled away and found other types of jobs. That foresight continues to let the current residents survive. Tourism is one of the area's largest businesses today.
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. Transportation to the city is readily available and once there, visitors will find it easy to travel to and from hokitika motels using local buses. 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. Places near the beach offer beautiful views of the Tasman Sea and allow glimpses of the native birds flitting about the gardens. Bed and breakfasts are delightful places to share travel experiences, pictures and a meal or two with other guests. A lodge gives the opportunity to meet and talk with locals and other visitors, comparing notes about what to see and do, such as strolling along the beach looking for shells and admiring the sunset.
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