List of historic places in Hokitika facts for kids
This article is about special buildings and structures in Hokitika, New Zealand, that are protected because of their history. These places are listed by an organization called Heritage New Zealand.
Heritage New Zealand is like a guardian for important historical sites across the country. They make sure these places are looked after so that future generations can learn from them. Their main office is in Wellington, but the team in Christchurch helps take care of the West Coast region, including Hokitika.
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Protecting Hokitika's History
Hokitika has many old buildings and structures that tell stories about its past. Heritage New Zealand gives these places special protection. They sort them into two main groups:
- Historic Place Category 1: These are places that are super important to New Zealand's history. They have a lot of historical meaning.
- Historic Place Category 2: These places are also very important, but maybe not quite as much as Category 1. They still tell a big part of New Zealand's story.
Let's explore some of these amazing historical spots in Hokitika!
Famous Landmarks and Buildings
Hokitika is home to several well-known landmarks that have stood for many years. These buildings and structures often played a big part in the town's early days.
Seddon Statue
You can find a statue of Richard Seddon at 14 Sewell Street. Richard Seddon was a very important politician in New Zealand's history. He was even the Prime Minister! This statue was put up in 1910 to remember him. It's listed as a Historic Place Category 1, showing how important he was to the country.
Hokitika Clock Tower
At the corner of Sewell Street and Weld Street stands the Hokitika Clock Tower. This clock tower was built in 1903. It's not just a clock; it's also a memorial, meaning it helps people remember something important. It's a Historic Place Category 2.
Seaview Lighthouse
High up on Seaview Terrace, you'll find the Seaview Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built way back in 1879. Lighthouses are super important because they help guide ships safely. This one is a Historic Place Category 2.
Hokitika Customhouse
The Hokitika Customhouse is an old government building located on Gibson Quay. It was built in 1897. Customhouses were places where taxes were collected on goods coming into the country. This building is a Historic Place Category 1.
Government Buildings/Courthouse
Another important government building is the Government Buildings/Courthouse at 14 Sewell Street. Built in 1913, this building served as a place for government work and court cases. It's a Historic Place Category 2.
Places for Entertainment and Learning
Hokitika also has historic places that were used for fun, culture, and education.
Regent Theatre
If you love movies or shows, you'd be interested in the Regent Theatre at 23 Weld Street. This cinema and theatre was built in 1935. It's a Historic Place Category 2, showing its importance to the town's entertainment history.
Carnegie Building (Hokitika Museum)
The Carnegie Building, located at 17 Hamilton Street and Tancred Street, was built in 1908. It used to be a library, funded by a famous rich man named Andrew Carnegie, who helped build libraries all over the world. Today, it houses the Hokitika Museum. It's a Historic Place Category 2.
Important Religious Buildings
Churches are often very old and beautiful buildings that are important to a town's history and community. Hokitika has several listed churches.
St Andrew's United Church
The St Andrew's United Church on 66 Hampden Street was built in 1935. It's a Historic Place Category 1, meaning it's very significant.
All Saints' Church (Anglican)
Another beautiful church is All Saints' Church (Anglican) at 57 Bealey Street and Stafford Street. This church was built in 1936 and is also a Historic Place Category 1.
St Mary's Catholic Church
St Mary's Catholic Church on Sewell Street and Stafford Street was built in 1914. It's a Historic Place Category 1.
Other Notable Historic Places
Hokitika also has other interesting structures and buildings that are protected.
Mahinapua Creek Railway Bridge
The Mahinapua Creek Railway Bridge on State Highway 6 was built in 1905. This railway bridge is a Historic Place Category 1.
Hungerford Mausoleum
You can find the Hungerford Mausoleum in the Hokitika Public Cemetery on Seaview Hill Road. A mausoleum is a building that holds the remains of a person or people. This one is a Historic Place Category 2.
Old Bank Buildings
Hokitika has several former bank buildings that are now historic places. These include:
- The former National Bank at 46 Revell Street, built in 1939 (Category 2).
- The former Hokitika Savings Bank Building at 10 Hamilton Street, built in 1927 (Category 2).
- The former Bank of New Zealand at 36 Revell Street and Camp Street, built in 1931 (Category 2).
- The former Bank of New South Wales at 32–34 Revell Street and Camp Street, built in 1905 (Category 2).
These old bank buildings show how important banking was to the town's growth.
Okitiki Building (Renton Hardware)
The Okitiki Building at 21 Hamilton Street is an old historic building from 1908. It's a Historic Place Category 2.
Totalisator Building
The Totalisator Building at 6 Dalton Street was built in 1913. This building was used for betting at horse races. It's a Historic Place Category 1.
Prestons Building
Prestons Building at 95 Revell Street was built in 1923 and used to be a shop. It's a Historic Place Category 2.
