The Customhouse at Hokitika. Bernard Spragg photography

The Customhouse at Hokitika is one of the last remaining links to Hokitika's heyday as a busy and prosperous port. The establishment of Hokitika as a port-of-entry with a customs officer was a direct result of the West Coast gold rush, and the customhouse stands as a physical link to the history of extractive industries on the West Coast. The building is one of Campbell's earlier designs and part of an attempt by the government to standardise public buildings for ease and quickness of construction. As Campbell preferred to design and build in brick, the customhouse at Hokitika is an interesting example of his timber buildings, which formed a very small part of his work. Today the Customhouse stands as a prominent landmark close to its original site.