Hokitika

I stayed here in 1999 in a backpackers run by Gordon “the mad kiwi” Wells (his nickname, not mine!). Had a fabulous week – beers on the beach around a camp fire every night, bit of sunbathing etc. I also got to stay for free & carve my own bit of jade in return for polishing some of Gordon’s own pieces of jade as he has his own workshop in the backpackers where you can learn to create jade jewellery. He is definitely a character but all the more entertaining for it – I was lucky enough to be taken to the “family day” at the local gun club (treasurer: G.Wells), which involved all sorts of throwing of knives, shooting at targets with a double-barrelled shotgun from the hip etc. All good clean wholesome psychotic fun.

Anyway I recommend a visit – check out www.madkiwi.co.nz if you fancy staying with Gordon, otherwise there are some other good backpackers in town – most are on the beach, with fabulous sunsets to help sink that beer.

Pretty average place since I am a kiwi – but do check out the jade shop/factory…