West Coast Wildfoods Festival

Imagine a day spent foraging along wild coastlines, then feasting on the bush tucker you've just discovered — that's the spirit of the West Coast Wildfoods Festival. Held annually in the remote town of Hokitika on New Zealand's wild West Coast, this quirky celebration of indigenous ingredients and culinary creativity draws foodies, foragers and adventurers alike. The festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of taste, smell and sound, where you can sample everything from whitebait fritters and wild venison to native herbs and seaweeds. It's a hands-on, muddy-boots affair that connects you deeply with the land and its Māori and Pākehā food traditions.

Highlights & What to See

• Wildfoods Market: Stalls brimming with foraged delicacies — try the famous huhu grubs (a crunchy, nutty local insect), wild pork sliders, and pāua (abalone) fritters. Don't miss the native herb teas and manuka honey.
• Foraging & Bushcraft Workshops: Join local guides to learn which coastal plants and fungi are edible, how to catch whitebait, and traditional Māori methods of preserving food.
• Wildfoods Cooking Competitions: Watch chefs battle it out with mystery ingredients like wild goat or kawakawa leaves. The energy is electric.
• Hokitika Gorge: While in town, hike the short track to this stunning turquoise-blue gorge — a jaw-dropping contrast to the festival's earthy flavours.
• Glowworm Dell: After feasting, walk five minutes from town centre to see thousands of glowworms twinkling on the forest bank — a magical end to the day.

Suggested Time to Spend

The festival itself is a one-day event (usually in March), but savvy travellers spend at least two to three days on the West Coast to fully absorb the region. Arrive the day before to explore Hokitika's galleries and the nearby Hokitika Gorge. On festival day, arrive early to snag the best market finds and secure a spot in popular workshops. After the festival, linger for a day to drive the stunning coastal road south to Franz Josef Glacier or north to Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers: A 1.5-hour drive south; book a heli-hike or walk to the glacier terminal face.
• Punakaiki & Pancake Rocks: 45 minutes north; blowholes and layered limestone formations at high tide.
• Greymouth: 30 minutes north; a historic coal-mining town with a brewery and the Monteith's beer experience.
• Ōkārito Lagoon: 30 minutes south; a serene kayak spot with birdlife and reflections of the Southern Alps.
• Arthur's Pass National Park: 1.5 hours east; alpine scenery, kea parrots and great tramping tracks.

Please check official sources for current details.