Activities in Punakaiki

Below is a list of tourism activities available in and around Punakaiki – there’s something here for everyone!

Underworld Adventures – Underworld Rafting & GlowWorm Cave Tours

Join us on a simply magical journey of discovery in the enormous Nile River GlowWorm Caves amidst a calcitic wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites complete with unbelievable galaxies of GlowWorms.

Whether it be our award winning “Underworld Rafting”, or the more passive “GlowWorm Cave Tour” and “Nile River Rainforest Train” or even the full-on “Adventure Caving” be assured that you are in for and adventure never to be forgotten.

Telephone: 03 788 8168
Fax: 03 789 5508
Address: State Highway 6, Charleston
Email: contact@caverafting.com
Web: www.caverafting.com
Postal: Box 7, Charleston 7865

Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre

Department of Conservation Visitor Centre.
Call in and see what Punakaiki and the Paparoa National Park has to offer. Conservation products and services, walks, weather, tide and track information, and an activities booking service. Open seven days.

Telephone: 03 731 1895
Fax: 03 731 1896
Address: 4294 Coast Road, Punakaiki, RD1 Runanga 7873
Email: paparoavc@doc.govt.nz
Web: www.doc.govt.nz

Stargazing exploration of the night sky

Stargazing Punakaiki – Join us for a naked eye exploration of the star studded southern night sky above the West Coast of the South Island where there is almost no light, dust or air pollution.
Your guide will introduce you to the astronomy of the southern hemisphere, identifying some of the major constellations and the path of sun, moon and planets through the signs of the zodiac. Trips take approximately 1-1.5 hours, usually beginning 30 minutes after sunset or later by arrangement. Within walking distance of your accommodation or at a nearby beach if you have your own transport. Bring warm wind-proof clothing, hat, gloves, and a torch. Binoculars will be available for a closer look at galactic wonders above. 
Minimum fee is $100 for up to two people, plus $30 per extra person. For a group of three $130 – a group of four $160 etc.

Contact: Richard
Telephone: 03 7311 877 or mobile 0274 510 888
Address: Punakaiki
Email: whitecube1@gmail.com

Make your own knife

Barrytown Knifemaking – Come and make a knife in our backyard – you’ll amaze yourself!
You get to forge your own blade from red hot steel, and complete your knife with native timber handle, brass bolsters and pins.
We start at 9:30 am and finish around 4 pm, with drinks, lunch and snacks until around 5 pm.

Contact: Steven or Robyn
Telephone: 03 731 1053 - NZ Freephone: 0800 256433 (0800 AKNIFE)
Email: barrytownknifemaking@gmail.com
Web: www.barrytownknifemaking.com
Postal: 2662 Coast Road, Barrytown, New Zealand 7801

Conservation Volunteers

Enjoy a different and rewarding experience by volunteering with Conservation Volunteers at Punakaiki.
Learn about the environment and contribute through activities such as tree planting and seed collection.

Telephone: 03 731 1808
Address: 3916 State Highway 6, Punakaiki
Web: www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz

Make your own jade carving

Barrytown Jade – Create your own personalised Jade carving.
Half & full day classes. Open all year round. Bookings essential. Classes from $100.

Contact: Hamish
Telephone: 03 7311 466
Address: 2726 Coast Road, Barrytown
Email: hamishcjames@hotmail.com