The main memorial with their names
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Stafford Cemetery Lookout

5
·8 reviews·Seaview, New Zealand

Enjoy superb, peaceful panoramic views of Hokitika and the Tasman Sea from this easily accessible lookout, featuring the historic Hokitika Lighthouse.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Clear views of the coast

CrowdLow
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The main memorial with their names

Stafford Cemetery Lookout

Best Time

Daytime

Clear views of the coast

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Enjoy superb, peaceful panoramic views of Hokitika and the Tasman Sea from this easily accessible lookout, featuring the historic Hokitika Lighthouse.

5
(8 reviews)

"Who would have thought that the best scenic lookout is at the entrance of Hokitika Cemetery? The scenery here is really superb and peaceful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Short Walk to View

Park near the Hokitika Lighthouse and enjoy a quick, minute-long walk to the lookout. Easy access for everyone! :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a peaceful spot next to a cemetery. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and be considerate of the surroundings. 🙏

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

5 · 8 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

Panoramic Coastal Views

Overlooking Hokitika and the Tasman Sea

Breathtaking vistas of the town, the vast Tasman Sea, and the surrounding landscape. A truly superb and peaceful panorama.

Hokitika Lighthouse

Hokitika Lighthouse

Adjacent to the lookout

A historical lighthouse built in 1879 and relocated in 1999. Adds a fascinating element of local history to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Views

This scenic spot offers stunning vistas, but remember it's adjacent to a cemetery. Please be mindful and respectful of the peaceful surroundings during your visit. No facilities are available on-site.

Easy Access & Parking

Parking is conveniently located near the Hokitika Lighthouse. A short, minute-long walk from the parking area leads you to the lookout point, making it easily accessible for most visitors.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Clear views of the coast
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

…and I could keep going about New Zealand!! Some of our favorites:
📍Lake Tekapo
📍Milford Sound
📍Lake Wānaka
📍Hokitika black sand beach
📍Franz Josef Glacier (plan to hike it if you can!)
📍Bungee jumping + canyon swing
📍Queenstown Hill hike
📍Shopping + food in downtown Queenstown

Who’s coming to NZ this year? @New Zealand #NZMustDo #ad
@claireandpeter
54.4K likes • 5.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Short Walk to View

Park near the Hokitika Lighthouse and enjoy a quick, minute-long walk to the lookout. Easy access for everyone! :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a peaceful spot next to a cemetery. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and be considerate of the surroundings. 🙏

The bluest water I have EVER saw 🥹 Do not skip this place on your trip around New Zealand!!! #hokitikagorge #hokitika #newzealand #travelnz #traveltiktok #travelling #backpacking
@keevandkev
2.5K likes • 39.3K views
#hokitika #haast #statehighway6 #westcoast #stateofemergency #flood #storm # #nz #fyp
@denokane
2.2K likes • 99K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views are superb! Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning coastal panoramas and the historic lighthouse. :camerawithflash:

Replying to @Flynn #trailoff #haunted #hauntednz #abandonedplaces #asylum #hauntedtiktok #urbex #mystery #westcoastnz #hokitika #tragedy #nzhistory #HistoryTime #storytime #sad #scary #hauntedplaces #ghost #horror #horrortok
@trailoff
1.9K likes • 40.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Short Walk to View

Park near the Hokitika Lighthouse and enjoy a quick, minute-long walk to the lookout. Easy access for everyone! :athletic_shoe:

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a peaceful spot next to a cemetery. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and be considerate of the surroundings. 🙏

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views are superb! Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning coastal panoramas and the historic lighthouse. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

5
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Stafford Cemetery Lookout for its superb and peaceful scenic views of Hokitika and the Tasman Sea. The adjacent historic Hokitika Lighthouse adds an interesting historical element. It's a highly recommended, easily accessible spot for a quick, beautiful stop.

"Who would have thought that the best scenic lookout is at the entrance of Hokitika Cemetery? The scenery here is really superb and peaceful. Be respectful as this is near the cemetery. No facility here.

Parking available in front of the Hokitika Lighthouse, the lookout is merely a minute walk from the parking. The historical lighthouse was built in 1879 and relocated here in 1999."

Jo Lee

"Great view and a fascinating piece of history. With a visit."

Simon Pender (SiTheDogBlogger)

"Beautiful view of the town and the Tasman sea from here."

Geoff Hancock (Hanktastic)

What People Like

Superb peaceful views
Coastal panoramas
Historic lighthouse

What People Dislike

No facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stafford Cemetery Lookout is easily accessible. Park your car near the Hokitika Lighthouse, and the lookout is just a minute's walk away. It's a straightforward and quick journey from the parking area.

Yes, ample parking is available in front of the Hokitika Lighthouse, which is right next to the lookout point. This makes it very convenient for visitors.

Information on public transport directly to Stafford Cemetery Lookout is limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle, with parking available near the Hokitika Lighthouse.

Simply head towards the Hokitika Lighthouse. The lookout is located adjacent to it, offering immediate access to the scenic views.

While general access is usually fine, it's always wise to check local road conditions, especially if traveling during adverse weather. TikTok videos have shown past flood events on nearby State Highway 6.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit Stafford Cemetery Lookout. It is a free public viewpoint.

The lookout is accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor viewpoint. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.

The Hokitika Lighthouse itself does not have an entrance fee for viewing from the outside. Access to the lookout is also free.

While specific tours might not highlight this exact spot, many West Coast New Zealand tours will pass through Hokitika and may include a stop near the lighthouse and lookout. Check tour itineraries for details.

As an open-air viewpoint, there are no official closing hours. However, out of respect for the adjacent cemetery and for personal safety, visiting during daylight is advised.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The primary activity is enjoying the superb, peaceful views of Hokitika, the Tasman Sea, and the surrounding coastline. It's a great spot for quiet reflection and photography.

No, there are no facilities available directly at the Stafford Cemetery Lookout. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities in Hokitika town.

The walk from the parking area to the lookout is very short and generally flat, making it accessible for most. However, there are no specific accessibility features like ramps.

You can expect beautiful, sweeping views of Hokitika town, the expansive Tasman Sea, and the coastline. It's described as a superb and peaceful scenic outlook.

Absolutely! The panoramic views, especially during sunset, make it an excellent location for photography. The historic lighthouse also adds a unique element.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset offers a magical golden hour glow over the Tasman Sea and the town. Daytime provides clear, expansive views of the coastline. Many travelers find the scenery superb for capturing memorable shots.Reddit

Focus on the panoramic coastal views, the historic Hokitika Lighthouse, and the vastness of the Tasman Sea. The peaceful atmosphere also lends itself to reflective shots.

The main lookout area provides the best vantage point for the sweeping vistas. The area around the Hokitika Lighthouse also offers great framing opportunities.

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots to ensure sharpness. :iphone: is also great for quick snaps.

Drone regulations in New Zealand can be strict. Always check current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and local bylaws before flying a drone, especially near populated areas or historical sites.

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