Unmatched work-life balance

Hokitika a Cool Little Town

It’s a place where a stroll along the beach gives you stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook’s snow-capped peaks. This is a town where you can appreciate the rich history of the West Coast, hear stories of shipwrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters, while also enjoying the conveniences of modern life.

The streets of Hokitika are brimming with cafés and an inspired arts and culture scene. There are probably more galleries and studios per capita in Hokitika than anywhere in New Zealand. If you’re interested in genuine experiences and friendly characters that love to share a story then Hokitika is the place for you.

It is not just tourists being attracted to the cool little town of Hokitika, the unmatched work-life balance Hokitika offers is a major drawcard for people looking for a better quality of life.

The Hokitika Sandwich Company

Joseph Walker has been a firm West Coast convert since moving to Hokitika.

Having been involved in the hospitality/restaurant industry his entire adult life, Joseph has opened successful restaurants in both the Marlborough Sounds and the USA.

“After four years living in downtown Denver with a very urban lifestyle, my wife Anna and I decided we wanted a cleaner, healthier and safer environment to start a family so we packed up and came back to New Zealand.

“After looking at land and houses in every region of the country we fell in love with a small lifestyle block and villa in Kokatahi about fifteen minutes from Hokitika. This area ticked all the boxes for us, we were close to mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, an airport and the cool little town and community of Hokitika. Not to mention only a short flight or drive to Christchurch when we craved some city life,” Joseph says.

Wanting to give Hokitika a fresh and affordable lunch option and add another layer to the local food culture, Joseph and Denis Geary opened the Hokitika Sandwich Company.

“Having run a very successful sandwich shop in Denver I already had the blueprint, so I went about sourcing the best local ingredients to put between two slices of bread.”

Joseph says there are many advantages to having a business in Hokitika.

“The local council was very supportive in getting everything up and running. Our food safety officer was eager to see a vibrant community with great dining options and was supportive every step of the way.

“Commercial rent is cheap which minimises the financial risk. There is a great tourist flow with a million people passing through the region annually. The commute is stress-free unless the neighbours are moving their cows. The town itself is humming and has a great seaside vibe.”

Joseph says living in Hokitika and the West Coast is all about the quality of life, access to the natural environment and minimal financial pressure.

“We are lucky to have clean air, plenty of fresh clean water and a very safe living environment. Our house is close to some of the most incredible natural features you can imagine, like the Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere. We can go swimming in a lake then watch the sunset on the beach.

“The community is warm and welcoming. The cost of housing is cheap which means low mortgages and minimal financial pressure and stress.

“The Coast is going through a bit of a renaissance and has so much untapped potential, while other markets are saturated with competition there are many opportunities here for new types of businesses in the tourism, manufacturing and production sectors.”

www.facebook.com/TheHokitikaSandwichCompany/

Photos: Jase Blair

Cut out for the Coast - Interview with Joseph: