Hokitika, West Coast 作者： 来源： 发布时间：2021-03-26
I. Population and Area
Total Area: 12 km²
Population in 2013: 3, 447
https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-12
II. Natural Geography
-Climate
Weather in January
January, like December, in Hokitika, New Zealand, is another enjoyable summer month, with average temperature fluctuating between 19.4°C (66.9°F) and 11.7°C (53.1°F). In Hokitika, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in December - a still enjoyable 19.4°C (66.9°F).
Weather in February
February, the last month of the summer, in Hokitika, is also an enjoyable month, with average temperature fluctuating between 11.9°C (53.4°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F). The warmest month is February, with an average high-temperature of 19.8°C (67.6°F) and an average low-temperature of 11.9°C (53.4°F).
Weather in March
The first month of the autumn, March, is also an enjoyable month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature varying between 18.8°C (65.8°F) and 10.7°C (51.3°F). In March, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in February - a still enjoyable 18.8°C (65.8°F).
Weather in April
April, like March, in Hokitika, New Zealand, is another enjoyable autumn month, with average temperature varying between 16.6°C (61.9°F) and 8.5°C (47.3°F). In Hokitika, the average high-temperature in April is essentially the same as in March - a still enjoyable 16.6°C (61.9°F).
Weather in May
The last month of the autumn, May, is another mild month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature ranging between max 14.3°C (57.7°F) and min 6°C (42.8°F). In Hokitika, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in April - a mild 14.3°C (57.7°F).
Weather in June
June, the first month of the winter, in Hokitika, is still a cool month, with average temperature ranging between min 3.8°C (38.8°F) and max 12.3°C (54.1°F). In Hokitika, New Zealand, the average high-temperature in June is relatively the same as in May - a fresh 12.3°C (54.1°F).
Weather in July
July, the same as June, is a cool winter month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature ranging between min 2.9°C (37.2°F) and max 11.9°C (53.4°F). July is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 11.9°C (53.4°F) and an average low-temperature of 2.9°C (37.2°F).
Weather in August
The last month of the winter, August, is another cool month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature fluctuating between 12.6°C (54.7°F) and 4°C (39.2°F). In August, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in July - a still fresh 12.6°C (54.7°F).
Weather in September
The first month of the spring, September, is a mild month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature fluctuating between 5.8°C (42.4°F) and 13.8°C (56.8°F). In Hokitika, the average high-temperature in September is relatively the same as in August - a mild 13.8°C (56.8°F).
Weather in October
October, like September, is a moderate spring month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with temperature in the range of an average high of 14.9°C (58.8°F) and an average low of 7.3°C (45.1°F). In October, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in September - a still moderate 14.9°C (58.8°F).
Weather in November
The last month of the spring, November, is a comfortable month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with average temperature varying between 8.7°C (47.7°F) and 16.4°C (61.5°F). In November, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in October - a comfortable 16.4°C (61.5°F).
Weather in December
The first month of the summer, December, is still a comfortable month in Hokitika, New Zealand, with temperature in the range of an average low of 10.7°C (51.3°F) and an average high of 18.2°C (64.8°F). In December, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in November - a still enjoyable 18.2°C (64.8°F).
https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/new-zealand/hokitika-climate
-Geography
Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. According to the 2013 census, the usually-resident population of the Hokitika urban area was 2,967, a decrease of 111 people since 2006. There are 876 people living in rural Hokitika, an increase of 48 people since the 2006 Census. On a clear day Aoraki / Mount Cook can clearly be seen from Hokitika's main street.
https://infogalactic.com/info/Hokitika
-Transportation
State Highway 6 passes through the town.
Air New Zealand Link provides up to five flights a day to Christchurch operated by Eagle Airways. The Hokitika Airport is adjacent to the town, immediately to the north-east in the suburb of Seaview.
A branch line railway known as the Hokitika Branch runs to the town from Greymouth; it opened in 1893 and an extension to Ross was open from 1909 to 1980. Passengers to Hokitika were initially served by mixed trains that carried both goods and passengers, and in 1936, these services were augmented by a Leyland diesel railbus service that ran from Hokitika to Greymouth, Christchurch, and briefly Reefton. In the early 1940s, the Vulcan railcars were introduced and they provided a twice-daily service between Ross and Christchurch via Hokitika. The mixed trains continued to operate until 1967, and all passenger services to Hokitika ceased when the Vulcan railcars stopped running past Greymouth in 1972. Since then, the line to Hokitika has been freight-only with traffic primarily coming from Westland Milk Products.
In 1865, after the discovery of gold in the area, the town became the official port of entry of the West Coast. A boom period ensued when Hokitika was second only to Auckland, with reports of over 40 ships in the harbour at one time, with more waiting offshore. It was a dangerous port, however, with 108 strandings and 32 ships lost from 1865 to 1867. The lack of nearby coal meant that the port declined rapidly along with the gold, though Hokitika remained an official entry port until the 1950s.
https://infogalactic.com/info/Hokitika
Air New Zealand offers non-stop domestic flights to Hokitika airport from Christchurch. For flights from Queenstown to Hokitika, Auckland to Hokitika and Wellington to Hokitika, you'll transit at Christchurch airport. With Hokitika airfares you can choose seat, seat+bag, flexitime or flexiplus fare types. Christchurch to Hokitika flights take around 45 minutes.
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/destination-hokitika
III. Economy
The major industries of greenstone (pounamu), gold, coal, and forestry have all dwindled over the last century, but a growing ecotourism industry has grown up and the town is starting to show signs of recovery. It has become a major tourist stop on the West Coast's main highway route, with carving of greenstone an important local industry. It is also gaining a reputation for its annual wild food festival which has been running since 1990. Seaview Asylum was once the town's biggest employer.
Another important industry is dairying, with Westland Milk Products being based in the town. A co-operative that has been producing dairy products for many years, it is increasing its production at about 10% annually, and in recent years has installed plants to produce new products such as different types of proteins, AMF and others. The vast majority of its production is exported.
The Hokitika Sock Machine Museum in town has on display a collection of antique sock-knitting machines and invites visitors to knit their own socks.
Hokitika now boasts one of the South Islands best 3D digital cinemas, the Regent Theatre, due to volunteer hours and grants from the Westland development trust, Lion's foundation, Lottery's commission, the Major District Initiative and pub charity. The Art Deco theatre narrowly avoided being demolished, thanks to a last minute coup in the management committee.
https://www.liquisearch.com/hokitika/economy
IV. Industrial Characteristics
In the first part of the 20th century, Hokitika was a service town for forestry and farming. The opening of State Highway 6 through South Westland and over Haast Pass in 1965 gradually led to an expansion in the number of tourists. Hokitika is the only West Coast town seen by many tourists, who follow a route over Arthur’s Pass, through Hokitika to the glaciers, and then cross back to the east coast over Haast Pass. With the growth of accommodation and outdoor recreation, it has become an important tourist centre, with particular emphasis on the carving of pounamu (greenstone or jade). The population of Hokitika gradually increased through the 20th century.
Westland Milk Products, on the outskirts of Hokitika, has the only milk processing plant on the West Coast. Tankers daily collect milk from farms between Karamea and Fox Glacier.
Pounamu
The main source of pounamu in the South Island is boulders in the Arahura River, a few kilometres north of Hokitika, and there has long been a Māori settlement at Arahura. The ownership of all pounamu in the Arahura valley is now vested in the Māwhera Incorporation.
Local supplies of pounamu cannot meet the demand from carvers, so some shops in Hokitika sell nephrite or jade that has been imported from overseas. Even if they are carved locally, such objects are not genuine pounamu.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-12
Key Projects:
Hokitika
Millions For Westland Infrastructure
Infrastructure projects on the West Coast will receive a $36 million kick-start to aid economic recovery to COVID-19, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau announced at an event in Hokitika.
The West Coast Regional Council will receive $24 million for flood protection and climate resilience projects as part of the global allocation announced by the Government last week.
More than $12 million central Government investment will support community, environmental and transport projects on the West Coast.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2007/S00091/millions-for-westland-infrastructure.htm
V. Attractions
Extraordinary West Coast sightseeing
The West Coast isn't just about intrepid adventures. You'll also find some easily-accessed sightseeing opportunities that only involve a short stroll.
Close to Hokitika is the super-pretty Hokitika Gorge Walk, which involves a short hike through the forest and across a swing bridge. From the bridge you get a spectacular view of the gorge with its surreal opaque turquoise water (caused by suspended 'rock flour').
Another must-see is Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, created by nature to wow your Instagram following. These outrageous rock formations involve layers of hard sediment interspersed with mud layers. Washed by rain and ocean waves, the softer layers have eroded away to leave the look of stacked pancakes. And that's just part of Punakaiki's magic; there are incredible blow holes here too.
The Oparara Arches near Karamea have to be seen to be believed. Formed by river action over millions of years, the arches are easy to reach on foot. You'll also be entranced by the beauty of the Oparara River, which is often tinted a rich orange colour by the natural tannins of the rainforest.
Unique West Coast food and drink
In between your West Coast adventures you'll have the chance to explore the region's hospitality. After landing at Hokitika airport, don't leave town until you've had lunch at the famous Hokitika Sandwich Company. These aren't everyday sandwiches; each one is a work of edible art featuring exceptional New Zealand ingredients.
Next on the list of unique West Coast flavour experiences happens in the town of Reefton. There you can check out the Reefton Distilling Company, where they make fine gin infused with botanicals from the surrounding rainforest. For lunch or dinner, check out the hearty menu at Dawson's Hotel. And if it's coffee and cake you're craving, Reef Cottage Café can introduce you to a wicked selection of home-baked Kiwiana favourites.
Another special West Coast cuisine experience can be found at the Rough and Tumble Lodge Café, when you can tuck into tasty favourites and sip on a West Coast Brewery craft beer while you gaze at a magnificent view of the roiling Mokihinui River. Or find your way to the Kingfisher Restaurant and Bar on the shores of beautiful Lake Brunner - their burgers are legendary.
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/destination-hokitika
Lake Kaniere
Lake Kaniere, 18 kilometres east of Hokitika, is a glacial lake, used for boating, kayaking and fishing. A road goes round the eastern side (to join up with the Hokitika valley), and there are several walking tracks along the shore and in the forest.
Hokitika valley
The river flats in the Hokitika valley are fertile dairy farming land. In a tragic incident in 1941, deranged Kōwhitirangi farmer Stanley Graham shot seven men. There is a large memorial to those who were killed opposite the Kōwhitirangi hall.
Further upstream, at the Hokitika gorge scenic reserve, there is a spectacular swing bridge across the turquoise waters of the Hokitika River.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-12
VI. History and Culture
After the discovery of gold in the Taramakau valley in 1864, prospectors started arriving at the Hokitika River mouth, the closest anchorage to the diggings. At that time Hokitika was part of Canterbury province. The town was laid out by surveyor John Rochfort, and the street names mainly commemorate Canterbury politicians.
During 1865 a flood of gold prospectors and traders arrived, and the town was occupied and booming within less than a year. While most miners lived close to the diggings where they worked, Hokitika was the town they went to for supplies, recreation and to sell gold. For a short period, Hokitika had a population of over 4,000. As gold mining declined it dropped to 2,000 by the end of the 19th century. The river port at Hokitika was hazardous, and was little used after the main gold rushes.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-12
Founded on gold mining in 1864, it was a centre of the West Coast Gold Rush. By late 1866, it was one of New Zealand's most populous centres. On 16 September 1867, there were 41 vessels alongside the wharf at Hokitika, in some places three and four deep. In 1867, the port of Hokitika ranked first in New Zealand in both the number of vessels entered inwards and in the total value of exports; principally gold.
On 8 March 1868 a mock funeral was held in protest about the conviction and hanging of three Irish Fenian's in Manchester - the Manchester Martyrs. The funeral was led by Roman Catholic Father William Larkin and a Celtic Cross was erected in the cemetery. Larkin was later arrested, charged, and convicted of riot and seditious libel.[3]
In 1873 Hokitika became the capital of the short-lived Westland Province which lasted from 1873 until the abolition of provinces in 1876.
In October 1941, three Hokitika police officers (and a policeman stationed in the neighboring locality of Kaniere), along with a field instructor for the Canterbury education board, were killed when a local farmer, Stanley Graham, went on a shooting rampage and killed seven people, including two armed Home guard personnel.
In the ensuing manhunt, the biggest in New Zealand history, overseen by the Commissioner of Police, Denis Cummings, more than 100 New Zealand Police and several hundred New Zealand Army & Home Guard searched the area for the gunman for 12 days, with orders to shoot him on sight if found still armed. On 20 October, after being spotted by two police constables and a local civilian carrying his rifle and ammunition belts, Graham was fatally wounded by a police constable and died the next day.
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 rate-payers live outside of Hokitika.
VII. Contact Information
Chair: Andrew Robba
E-mail: info@wcrc.govt.nz
West Coast Regional Council
Office: 388 Main South Road, Greymouth
Postal: PO Box 66, Greymouth 7840
Phone: (03) 768 0466
http://www.localcouncils.govt.nz/lgip.nsf/wpg_url/Profiles-Councils-by-region-West-Coast