Punakaiki, West Coast
Punakaiki is the base from which to explore the natural wonders of the Paparoa National Park – from sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, through lush subtropical rainforest overhanging magical moody rivers, to spectacular alpine tops there is something here for everyone to discover.
Stay a while and make Punakaiki your destination and enjoy the friendly hospitality the West Coast is famous for. There are taverns, cafés and restaurants, walks and activities to enjoy.
Stay a while and make Punakaiki your destination and enjoy the friendly hospitality the West Coast is famous for. There are taverns, cafés and restaurants, walks and activities to enjoy.
These are our top activities:
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Stand Up Paddleboard TourTop of the list is paddle boarding along the Pororari River. Dion from ‘Paparoa Paddle Co’ at the Punakaiki Beach Camp leads incredible SUP tours once a day.
His two-hour tour takes you along the mystical Pororari river and around the lagoon. Contact Dion for more info: [email protected] |
Pororari River TrackThe Pororari River Track has been described as one of the most beautiful short walks in New Zealand.
The forest track follows a spectacular limestone gorge beside the river with huge rocks set in deep pools. The return trip up the river valley takes 1 .5 hours. If you want to stretch your legs for longer you can keep heading along the ridge to the Punakaiki River valley after you reach the junction. |
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Truman TrackThis short track begins in beautiful sub-tropical rainforest featuring ferns, nikau palms, rimu, rata and more.
Nearing the beach it passes through coastal flax flats before emerging onto a headland with stunning views up and down the coastline. Steps lead down to a beach with liffs, caves, a waterfall and amazing rock formations. At low tide you can walk north and further explore the rugged coastline. The track to the beach takes about 15 minutes. Allow longer if you want to explore the beach. |
Punakaiki RocksWhere would Punakaiki be without the Pancake Rocks?! The walkway for viewing the rocks is a loop track that winds from the highway through rainforest into flax and coastal vegetation as it nears the famous rock stacks. At high tide the blowholes are active.
When a heavy swell is running saltwater is pushed at great force through holes in the limestone rock, exiting as fine spray mist many metres above sea level. The blowholes at full blast are an amazing sight. The camp office has tide times or check at the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. Allow approximately 45 minutes to explore and take photographs. |
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Punakaiki CavernFive minutes’ walk south of the campground is the Punakaiki Cavern, hidden away on the eastern side of the highway.
The cavern features glow worms, the larvae of a large mosquito-like fly. To survive they build traps made of vertical hanging threads of silk. The silk thread is studded with sticky droplets of mucus to catch small insects attracted by the light. There are also stalactites in the cavern. |
Pororari LagoonThe Pororari Lagoon is right next to the beach camp. It takes about 30 minutes to wander around. If you’re there around sunset the light is fantastic for views up into the Paparoa National Park and out to Dolomite Point.
There is an intriguing sandstone rock formation at the river mouth which looks great in any sort of weather. |
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