10 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki

1. Check Out the Pancake Rocks

It’s not like you weren’t going to visit them anyway. The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are Punakaiki’s star attraction and for good reason. These fascinating limestone formations, resembling stacks of pancakes, have taken millions of years to form.

Take the easy 20-minute coastal loop walk to witness these natural wonders up close and see the impressive blowholes in action at high tide.

The wheelchair-accessible track takes you through native forest before opening up to dramatic coastal views.

With interpretive signs along the way, you’ll learn about the unique geology, flora and wildlife of the area. Even on calm days, the rock formations themselves are a sight to behold.

Location: Just off State Highway 6, 900 m (984 yards) south of Punakaiki village.

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2. Explore the Punakaiki Cavern

Check out this fun free cavern just off the side of the main road! A short wooden staircase leads into the cavern entrance where there are 138m (453ft) of passages to discover.

Look out for impressive stalactites and, if you’re lucky, glowworms twinkling on the cave walls at night.

We love that it’s an easy adventure suitable for families and those wanting to step away from the crowds at the Pancake Rocks. A torch or headlamp is highly recommended to explore safely.

Learn more about the cave on the Department of Conservation website.

Location: Just off State Highway 6, a couple of hundred metres/yards south of Punakaiki village.

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3. Hike the Paparoa Track

One of the main reasons to hit Punakaiki is to tackle New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. This spectacular 55 km (34 mi) trail stretches through Paparoa National Park, taking you across dramatic alpine ridges, lush rainforest and rugged limestone landscapes.

The full track typically takes three days, with huts available for overnight stays, but you can also explore sections on shorter day walks.

Highlights include sweeping views from the escarpment, mossy beech forests and the chance to spot native birdlife like the kea. For those who prefer two wheels, the Paparoa Track is also designed for mountain biking, offering an epic backcountry adventure.

Check The Complete Guide to the Paparoa Track for more information.

Location: Access is via the Pororari River Track car park on State Highway opposite Punakaiki village or from the Waikori Road car park on State Highway 6, 3km south of Punakaiki village.

© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz

4. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Coast Road

Punakaiki sits in the heart of the Coast Road, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.

This stunning 90-minute journey between Charleston in the north and Runanga in the south showcases rugged cliffs, wild surf, and lush rainforest spilling down to the Tasman Sea.

While you could drive it straight through, we personally love taking our time to enjoy the many lookouts, hidden bays, and charming small towns along the way.

With Punakaiki as a natural midway stop, the Coast Road is as much about the journey as the destination, as we’ve discovered first-hand.

Location: State Highway 6 between Charleston and Runanga

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5. Hike in the Paparoa National Park

We’ve already mentioned a few of the popular walks in Punakaiki and the Paparoa National Park, but there’s so much more to discover on foot!

One of the most popular is the Pororari River Track, where you can wander through lush subtropical forest alongside dramatic limestone cliffs. This versatile trail can be done as a 1 hr 30 mins return trip, a 3-hour loop via the Punakaiki River, or extended to a 5-hour hike for those seeking more of a challenge.

For something unique, go to the Ballroom Overhang, a massive limestone shelter on the Inland Pack Track that rewards hikers with an awe-inspiring natural amphitheatre.

If you’re up for a multi-day adventure, tackle the full Inland Pack Track, which takes you deep into remote forest and river valleys.

Find out more in our 5 Best Walks in Punakaiki.

Location: All walks mentioned are within 10 km (6 miles) of Punakaiki.

© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz

6. Kayak on the Pororari River

Discover the beauty of the Paparoa National Park and the Pororari River on a kayak tour in Punakaiki. Paddle up a dramatic limestone river canyon with towering cliffs and luxuriant rainforest, where the sound of native birds echoes around you.

The calm waters make this a relaxing activity suitable for beginners and families. You can hire single or double kayaks locally, with flexible rental times to explore at your own pace.

Keep an eye out for freshwater fish and, if you’re lucky, the occasional longfin eel gliding below. For the best experience, paddle around high tide.

Location: Punakaiki Canoes in Punakaiki village just next to the Pororari River.

© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz

7. Experience Barrytown Beach by Horse Wagon

Embark on a unique adventure with Golden Sands Horse and Wagon Tours. This 2 hrs 30 mins experience takes you along the dramatic black sand of Barrytown Beach in a horse-drawn wagon, pulled by majestic Clydesdale horses.

As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the crashing Tasman Sea and the distant Southern Alps.

Enjoy campfire refreshments, try your hand at greenstone collecting, and make plenty of photo stops along the way. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, it’s a charming way to connect with the region’s pioneering past while taking in the coastal scenery.

Location: 3456 Coast Road (State Highway 6), Barrytown, approximately 9.5 km (5.9 mi) south of Punakaiki.

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8. Carve Your Own… Something!

Yes, in the neighbouring settlements of Punakaiki, you can carve just about anything! Get creative with hands-on workshops that offer a deeper connection to local culture and craft.

Carve your own Māori bone pendant at the Skeleton Crew Carving Studio near Barrytown, learning about traditional designs along the way.

Make your own glass beads at the Te Miko Gallery just north of Punakaiki.

For a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake, forge and carve your very own knife at Barrytown Knifemaking!

Each experience combines artistry with storytelling, giving you not just a handmade souvenir but also a unique insight into local craft.

Location: Along State Highway 6, Te Miko is 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Punakaiki. Barrytown is 15 km (9 mi) south of Punakaiki.

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9. Visit the Truman Track

Just south of Punakaiki, the Truman Track offers a short walk with a big reward. This easy 15-minute track leads you through lush native rainforest before opening out to a spectacular stretch of coastline.

At the end, you’ll find rugged cliffs, sea caves, and a windswept beach where the Tasman Sea crashes dramatically against the rocks. At low tide, you can explore tide pools and hidden coves, while high tide brings thundering waves that showcase the raw power of the West Coast.

The track itself is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, making it an easy addition to your Punakaiki itinerary.

Location: Off State Highway 6, 2 km south of Punakaiki, West Coast, South Island.

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10. Stroll Along Punakaiki Beach

Finally, enjoy the raw beauty of Punakaiki Beach, a stunning stretch of wild West Coast shoreline. Just a short walk from the township, this black sand and pebble beach offers a perfect spot for an evening stroll.

Watch as the Tasman Sea crashes onto the shore, with striking views of rugged cliffs and rock formations in the distance. It’s an especially beautiful spot at sunset when the sky glows orange and pink above the waves.

While swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents, it’s an excellent place for beachcombing, photography, or simply soaking in the natural drama of the coast.

Location: Stretch south from the Pancake Rocks to the Punakaiki River mouth.

© Stewart Nimmo - westcoast.co.nz