Stormy West Coast
Hokitika is a tiny West Coast town North of Franz Joseph that was exceptionally busy during 1865/6 during the gold rush. The residents are exceptionally friendly and the weather can be a little wild at times. Wind, rain and the occasional thunder hit us. We stayed at the Shining Star Holiday Park with beach access and a few pet animals among which there were chickens, alpacas and a goat. I don't have the faintest idea if Ferrari met any of them, but she sure had a good time (while it wasn't raining) investigating the place thoroughly, just pitching every now and again for food and a drink. The town itself is beautiful and historic and the beach is rugged and untamed. I was told to take a selfie at the wooden name sculpture on the beach - I'm not great with selfies, but got a photo regardless.
Animals at the Shining Star Holiday Park
The sculpture was created as part of the Hokitika driftwood art competition that is held in January every year. According to deviatingthenorm.com the artist is Don Neale. He recreates the artwork every year.
What a beautiful, rugged coastline!
The public library started as the Hokitika Literary Society in 1866 and has been in the Carnegie building from 1908.
This building was the fourth Hokitika Fire Station and is now accommodation. Each appartment is named after a fire chief.
Originaly built in 1936, this is now the main movie theatre in Hokitika.
Pounamu is found in the Arahura River a few kilometres north of Hokitika.
The town clocktower.
The Westland Pioneers' Memorial commemorates the pioneer settlers of the region.
A street view in Hokitika.