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.

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

4 out of 5
4237 State Highway 6, Punakaiki
The price is AU$166 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$166
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (746 reviews)
"This place was excellent from start to finish. Room was amazing. View was amazing, food was amazing and the staff were amazing"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Punakaiki Beachfront Motels

Punakaiki Beachfront Motels

3 out of 5
56 Punakaiki Road, Punakaiki
The price is AU$184 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$184
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach motel in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Pancake Rocks are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (320 reviews)
"Super clean room. No view of the beach but a 2 minute walk and you’re there. Perfect for my dog I’ve been there before and I will go there again."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
Punakaiki Beach Camp

Punakaiki Beach Camp

2 out of 5
5 Owen Street, Punakaiki
Fully refundable
The price is AU$107 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$107
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campground in Punakaiki. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Punakaiki Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
"The place is beautifully presented and the staff are extremely welcoming and helpful we had a lovely stay and will definitely consider staying here again in the future."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Punakaiki Beach Camp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Punakaiki Beach Camp

Punakaiki Beach Camp

2 out of 5
5 Owen Street, Punakaiki
Stay at this campground in Punakaiki. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Punakaiki Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
"The place is beautifully presented and the staff are extremely welcoming and helpful we had a lovely stay and will definitely consider staying here again in the future."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Punakaiki Beach Camp
Gorgeous Character Bach

Gorgeous Character Bach

Punakaiki
Stay at this vacation home in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Pancake Rocks are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"It was a fabulous location walking distance to everything and an amazing beach for daily walks. Lovely linen and comfy beds. A bit cramped with two big dogs but they managed."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Gorgeous Character Bach
Smukt hus ved siden af ​​Paparoa National Park

Smukt hus ved siden af ​​Paparoa National Park

Punakaiki
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Punakaiki Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
Good, simple family Bach
"Gorgeous location. Bach had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

Smukt hus ved siden af ​​Paparoa National Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
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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