Beaches, parks, and reserves

Beaches

Westland beaches, including Hokitika Beach, can be dangerous and subject to rips, drifts, strong currents and strong wave action etc. Many of our beaches do not have lifeguard services. Swim at your own risk and take safety precautions. Parents are advised to watch their children at all times.

Many of the beaches are popular for walking dogs. When walking your dog, please keep it on the leash in sand dune areas as there are many bird species who nest in these areas, including Little Blue Penguins.

• Read more about tide-times.

Parks and reserves

Council owns parks, reserves and gardens throughout the district, which are available to the public for picnics, recreation and other purposes in the following areas:

• Pierson Esplanade: West of the bridge on Gibson Quay and up to Sewell Street
• Heritage area: Gibson Quay, Hokitika
• Sunset Point Recreation area: Hokitika
• Hokitika beachfront area: Beach Street, Hokitika
• Harper Park: Park Street, Hokitika
• Cass Square: Weld Street, Hokitika
• Whitcombe Park: Whitcombe Terrace, Hokitika
• Prossers Bush: Town Belt East, Hokitika
• Lazar Park: Park Street, Hokitika
• Airport Drive Reserve: Airport Drive, Hokitika
• Walker Park: Kumara Junction Highway (S.H.6), Hokitika
• Kumara Sports Field: Seddon Street, Kumara
• Ross Domain: Moorhouse Street, Ross
• Whataroa Reserve: Main Highway, Whataroa
• Marks Road Reserve: Marks Road, Haast Township

Council playgrounds

Children's playgrounds are located in the following townships:

• Hokitika - Lazar Park (inclusive playground), Cass Square
• Kumara
• Haast
• Ross
• Whataroa