The Glaciers
Apart from Chile, there is no where else in the world where you will find glaciers within a temperate forest. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are located 146 km and 170 km south of Hokitika. The accesability has made them both extreamily popular and as you follow the streams of tourists to get a closer look you will find yourself in awe of these icy giants.
Perhaps the best way to appreciate these "fastest moving glaciers in the world", is to take either a glacier guided walk or a scenic flight and there are plenty of both in the township of Franz.