HOKITIKA What a delight the town Hokitika is. The long term future of Hokitka is very good; this small place really jumps and oozes wealth. Driven economically by greenstone the town has carefully embraced the management of the history. Now, Hokitika (greenstone) is to New Zealand what Coober Pedy (opal) is to Australia. Originally founded on gold mining in 1864, it was a centre of the West Coast gold rush. By late 1866 it was one of the country's most populous centers. The population has declined greatly since that time but the population of the Westland District is now on the rise thanks to "lifestyle inhabitants". Almost 30% of the district's ratepayers live outside of Westland, that said the shops are clearly targeted at the wealthy tourist and that offer is fantastic for a town this size. Be sure to take in the ‘gold shop’ The Catholic Church is a great building and approaches its centenary, symbolises the long term thinking from the township.                                                                                                . The Museum is a very professional offer and well displayed. There is also a ‘sock museum’ that is a little different. The Hotels are vintage for the earlier era. The War Memorial overlooks al travelers and citizens. To really take in and enjoy Hokitika allow two days