Punakaiki – West Coast, New Zealand

Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes – both of which are spectacular and a must-see when visiting the West Coast.

Punakaiki is the service centre for the Paparoa National Park – 30,000 ha of varied landscape from lush West Coast native rainforest and mountain tops, to expansive rugged beaches and coastline.

But there’s plenty more to see and do here than that:

• Walk one of the many sub-tropical rainforest and coastal tracks.
• Take a horse trek through the scenic landscapes.
• Tour with a local guide and learn the history of the area.
• Paddle the Pororari River by canoe.
• Watch a spectacular West Coast sunset.
• Explore one of the many unspoilt deserted beaches.
• Swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking.
• Rock climbing, bouldering and caving in the limestone formations.
• Enjoy good food and coffee, or have your own picnic.
• Watch Westland Petrels flying in from the sea at sunset.
• Knifemaking, glassblowing, local crafts, and watch artists at work.

Visit the Paparoa National Park i-SITE Visitor Centre and find out much more about a special spot that has so many local secrets.

Stay a while and make Punakaiki your destination for a couple of days and enjoy the friendly hospitality the West Coast is famous for. There are taverns, cafés and restaurants, activities to keep you busy, and a great range of accommodation to suit any budget.

There’s so much more here than meets the eye!