Sunset Point: Where the Sky Catches Fire

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do while you’re here, it’s this: get yourself to Sunset Point before the day ends.

It’s just a few minutes from Hokitika town, but it feels like the edge of the world. A wild stretch of black sand beach where driftwood sculptures stand like sentinels, and every evening - without fail - the sky puts on a show that stops you mid-sentence. Gold melting into peach, streaks of violet and pink, the sun sinking slowly into the Tasman Sea like it’s in no hurry at all.

Locals gather here like it’s a daily ritual. Visitors stumble upon it and can’t quite believe what they’re seeing. And for our guests at Enchanted? It’s become one of those beautiful, unplanned traditions.

Here’s what makes it magic:

Bonfires on the beach - whether it’s the night before your big event, or the evening after when you’re all still buzzing and not quite ready for the day to end. There’s something about sitting around a fire with your people, the ocean roaring nearby, the sky doing its thing above you.

It’s perfect for casual meet-ups before a weekend celebration kicks off properly, or for winding down after a big day of setup. Groups love it for impromptu photoshoots - those driftwood sculptures and that golden light make for the kind of photos you’ll actually want to frame.

The ritual:

Grab fish and chips from town, or pack a picnic. Bring a blanket, maybe a bottle of something nice. Get there early enough to claim a good spot. Then just… sit. Watch. Let the West Coast work its magic.

It’s simple. It’s unforgettable. And it’s one of those moments that ends up being a highlight nobody planned for.

Trust me - the sunset will wait for you. But only just.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​