Hokitika is supported by forestry, tourism, farming, sphagnum moss, and gold mining industries. Excellent varieties of craft and greenstone jewellery, shopping seven days a week. Activities include wild foods, freshwater fishing, whitebaiting, bush walks, beach walks, kayaking, visits to Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua, Paddle Boat Cruise, Phelps Goldmine experience with gold panning, Water World Aquarium, above ground glow-worm dell, garden visits and scenic flights and the West Coast Historical Museum. District walks include Goldsborough, Lake Kaniere and water race, Lake Mahinapua Walk, Ross Goldfields, Hokitika Beach, Wanganui Walk Track (Harihari). Hokitika is the last town with banking and pharmacy facilities until Wanaka.

Hokitika is served by InterCity Coachlines from Greymouth and Nelson and Air New Zealand Link flights from Christchurch.