explore Punakaiki
real West Coast Visitor and Travel Information.

On the main highway (SH6) the Coast Road and approximately midway between Westport and Greymouth the settlement of Punakaiki is on the fringe of the Paparoa National Park.

A small coastal settlement without many of the services one might expect to find in the average town. But there are ample supplies of food, refreshment available.

With a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets the region also offers rock climbing, swiming, kayaking, canoe and fishing adventures.

That said, to avoid disapointment pre-booking of accommodation and activities is recommended in season.

Pancake Rocks.

World famous for the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point 1km south of the settlement.

The rocks were formed some 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants on the seabed, the immense water pressure at 2km below the surface caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers.

Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed, where mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater then sculpted the bizarre shapes.

Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki West Coast New Zealand.

Natural Punakaiki.

Being situated on the Coastal fringe of the Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki has much more to offer visitors than the Rock formations and blowholes.

Take a tour with a local guide and learn the history of the area. Take a walk through some of the Parks most accessible tracks, or take the reigns in your hands as you horse trek through some of the best West Coast landscapes.

 

Welcome to the Real Coast ...enjoy your stay.