The Hokitika area lies between Arthurs Pass, Hokitika; the Taramakau River in the north and Waitaha River in the south. There is about 200,000 ha of public conservation land within this area that includes part of Arthurs Pass National Park, many small reserves and large areas of stewardship land.
Conservation areas are mostly forested with many wetlands and lowland hill country areas west of the Alpine fault and larger river systems east of the Alpine fault. Many of these rivers have gorges in their lower reaches and alpine basins in the headwaters. Most valleys have maintained walking track access and there are plenty of backcountry huts but a few remote places do not have tracks, footbridges or huts.
SH73 provides the main access from Canterbury to the coast and SH6 traverses the area north and south.
Climate
The climate is wet at times with over 3000mm of rain each year with westerly winds predominating. In winter several falls of snow can be expected that blanket the tops and upper forests. Spring to autumn is mild with regular spells of fine weather.
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: | 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |