Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Hokitika and its Part in West Coast History

The lure of gold was too strong for some people to resist and they flocked towards remote areas seeking the riches that were under discussion. Yielding to the call of adventure, thousands of people headed towards the unsettled area if New Zealand called the West Coast. What are some of the things that led to today's enchanting community? The interesting beginning of Hokitika in the 1860s moved towards the future with several areas of development.
The West Coast enticed thousands of men and a few women to investigate the likelihood of finding gold in that area. Blazing the trail towards a chance at riches involved leading the way through wilderness. Clearing the rugged roads, the miners pushed forward towards the goldfields, followed by those bringing supplies of survival to sell to others. The first alluvial gold deposits found near Hokitika were scattered and unproductive. The gold rush is the beginning of the story of Hokitika accommodation and the rooms provided for prospectors. Even businesspeople saw the opportunity to make money from gold and built large hotels with food and drink by 1865.
Others quickly followed those who headed towards the goldfields and the growth of businesses and citizens around the Hokitika area. The construction of a port led to even further activity in the area, as sea travel made it easier to send and receive goods and supplies. 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.
Before the 1876 disbanding of provinces, Hokitika served as the capital of Westland Province for a period of three years. A decrease in the mining of gold led settlers into other areas of employment, such as farming and lumber mills. Alternative ways to make a living prevented a ghost town. Like many historic areas, tourism is a big business.
An assortment of precious minerals bring in part of the tourist business and gold camps show visitors the more modern ways of recovering gold. 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. Shops, the beach and other areas of interest are within walking distance.
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. Those who enjoy making the most of their vacation might want to consider a lodge sort of setting where they have the pleasure of relaxing when it is needed and enjoying scenery and events.

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