Punakaiki

Punakaiki Regional Information

Situated halfway between Westport and Greymouth, the small settlement of Punakaiki offers some of the finest West Coast scenery. Located at the entrance to the Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is famous nationwide for its Pancake Rocks and geyser-like blowholes at Dolomite Point.

Through the process of stylobedding, thin layers of limestone have formed stacks of pancake-like stone. During a strong high tide, water invades the area beneath the rocks and is forced out through gaps in the rock, creating impressive blowhole displays.

Also in the National Park's 30,000 hectares are sea cliffs, the Paparoa Ranges and the only breeding site in the world for the rare Westland Black Petrel. Within the park lies a network of hidden caves, streams and river gorges. You can get a taste of this natural environment through guided forest and mountain walks, caving and climbing expeditions, canoe trips and horse treks.

Navigate with our great Punakaiki map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on West Coast weather.

For further information on Punakaiki, visit the West Coast information site.