Is Hokitika the friendliest town in NZ?
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?
WAIKANAE NIGHT MARKET THIS FRIDAY
When:- Friday 27 February, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Waikanae Arts and Crafts Society Hall
27a Elizabeth St, Waikanae
Joyously made, locally hand crafted and wonderful preloved goodies:-
* Good quality Preloved Clothing
* New Clothing by a local designer
* Jewellery
* Hand made Bags
* Hand made Children's Dress-ups and Dolls Clothes
* Hand made Crochet Toys
* Hand made Cushions
* Upcycled and repurposed items including Furniture upcycled in a Shabby Chic style
* The Chimney Pot - Antiques & Collectables
* Collage Art
Bring the kids along!! They have not been forgotten!!
Don't miss it - Everyone Welcome!!
Support Local!!
Quote for the Day
"Economic forecasters fall into two groups: those who don't know - and those who don't know they don't know."
Kenneth Galbraith - eminent Canadian economist and diplomat
Cheers Mike
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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