Punakaiki

Travel Guide

Pancake Rocks showing rugged coastline
Pancake Rocks which includes tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Punakaiki which includes rocky coastline, waves and mist or fog
Punakaiki featuring landscape views, rugged coastline and a sandy beach
Punakaiki showing a sandy beach, rugged 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 P4,927 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P4,927
P5,666 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (720 reviews)
"Amazing staff & room"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
3 out of 5
56 Punakaiki Road, Punakaiki
The price is P4,479 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P4,479
P5,151 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (314 reviews)
"Close to beach"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Punakaiki Beach Camp
2 out of 5
5 Owen Street, Punakaiki
The price is P3,845 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
P3,845
P4,421 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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 May 31, 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 May 31, 2025

Punakaiki Beach Camp
Treescapes
Treescapes
4 out of 5
4016 Coast Road, Punakaiki
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Punakaiki Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Nice clean property with decent view of ocean. Has amazing sunsets. Recommend owner add scrubber sponge for dish washing, more hand towels, and dish towels. Also recommend better labels on rubbish, recycle and compost bins because it was a total guess on how to distribute waste. Very good remote ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Treescapes
Cliffscapes Holiday House
Cliffscapes Holiday House
3 out of 5
12 Owen St, Punakaiki, West Coast
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Punakaiki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Punakaiki Beach are ...
Cliffscapes Holiday House
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.