Punakaiki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pancake Rocks featuring rugged coastline
Pancake Rocks showing a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Punakaiki featuring mist or fog, rugged coastline and a sunset
Punakaiki featuring rocky coastline, landscape views and a beach
Punakaiki which includes a beach, rocky coastline and a sunset

Overlooking the South Island’s remote West Coast, this friendly town is the ideal base for exploring the beaches, rivers and limestone formations of the area.

Conveniently located on State Highway 6, the only road traversing New Zealand’s South Island’s rugged west coast, the small town of Punakaiki is a popular base for those wanting to explore the nature splendour of the area. Experience warm South Island hospitality as you dine with locals in the town’s restaurants, make friends over a pint at the tavern or discover information about the nearby Paparoa National Park. Find tour operators to take you by canoe up the Pororari River, join resident astronomers to gaze at the night sky or watch as local artists share their skills in a craft workshop.

Punakaiki’s location on the South Island’s west coast means that it receives significant rainfall year-round. While you may need to bring a raincoat, it’s the wild weather that has shaped this part of the country and what continues to define its activities. Watch as crashing waves explode through naturally formed blowholes and explore the winding crevices of the famous Pancake RocksOpens in a new window. These fascinating limestone formations were formed over millennia and are the major attraction of the region.

When the sun is shining you’ll find the locals swimming at Rapahoe BeachOpens in a new window, just a short drive from Punakaiki. If you want to investigate a little further, sign up for a canoe trip to venture along the Pororari River to the natural lagoons of Punakaiki’s hinterland. Visit the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre to pick up maps and information about the national park on Punakaiki’s doorstep.

The town centre offers plenty of dining options, with friendly taverns serving counter meals by night and cafés offering coffee and light lunches during the day.

Punakaiki is located approximately 4 hours’ drive from ChristchurchOpens in a new window where you will find the nearest international airport or just 40 minutes from GreymouthOpens in a new window. Make the town a stop on your scenic journey along the South Island’s west coast.

Reviews of Punakaiki

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Coming back!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great dinner and musical evening at the cafe opposite to the pancake rocks entrance. Fab coastal scenery also at end of Truman walk.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Pancake rocks is nearby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Locals are very friendly. Good choice of food outlets for a small village

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

a must-visit place on the west coast and stay a few days to enjoy the walks & beaches

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The rock formations are of outstanding natural beauty. The DIC displays are very informative. Two of our group enjoyed a 10km run around the tracks.

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