Title: Punakaiki Travel Guide: Best of Punakaiki, West Coast Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Punakaiki](https://expedia.co.uk/Punakaiki-Hotels.d6034172.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Punakaiki](https://expedia.co.uk/Punakaiki-Holiday-Rentals.d6034172.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Punakaiki Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Punakaiki.d6034172.Car-Hire-Guide)[Punakaiki Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Punakaiki.d6034172.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Punakaiki Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Pancake Rocks which includes rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110668/ab53b0ac-02b7-40c7-901f-30e931df6a61.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Pancake Rocks which includes rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110668/ab53b0ac-02b7-40c7-901f-30e931df6a61.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Pancake Rocks featuring a river or creek and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110668/4b8a6bc1-180a-4c8d-8850-20e1153d756d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Punakaiki which includes waves, mist or fog and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6034172/1e652f62-f930-48dc-8cfd-bba47590980d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Punakaiki showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6034172/867fe0d8-65bc-4eb2-8861-e5342000c676.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Punakaiki Reviews #### 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 Rocks](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pancake-Rocks-Buller-District.d6110668.Attraction). 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 Beach](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rapahoe-Beach-Rapahoe.d6110670.Attraction), 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 [Christchurch](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Christchurch.d179996.Holidays-City-Breaks) where you will find the nearest international airport or just 40 minutes from [Greymouth](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Greymouth.d6135276.Holidays-City-Breaks). Make the town a stop on your scenic journey along the South Island’s west coast. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-uk-fr-de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Holiday Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.co.uk/cheap-deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_6034172) - Top hotels in Punakaiki - Top Holiday Rentals in Punakaiki ![Scenic Hotel Punakaiki](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/990000/982500/982476/8360f953_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Scenic Hotel Punakaiki 4237 State Highway 6 Punakaiki £107 2 Mar - 3 Mar includes taxes & fees Stay at this beach hotel in Punakaiki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (784 reviews) Ocean view room had an exceptional look out. Staff were very friendly, dinner was excellent. Breakfast good. Room comfortable and clean. No air conditioning a bit of an issue. Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=02%2F03%2F2026&endDate=03%2F03%2F2026&selected=982476&PinnedHotelID=982476&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6034172) ![Punakaiki Beach Camp](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45910000/45901600/45901553/ee95e3e1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Punakaiki Beach Camp 5 Owen Street Punakaiki £59 26 Feb - 27 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this campsite 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! (58 reviews) We stayed in a cabin, which was small but just fine. It’s right next to the beach, and there is a central area for cooking, showers and hanging out. A really nice vibe. Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F02%2F2026&endDate=27%2F02%2F2026&selected=45901553&PinnedHotelID=45901553&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6034172) ![Punakaiki Beachfront Motels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9625700/9625687/09bd01eb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Punakaiki Beachfront Motels 56 Punakaiki Road Punakaiki £104 18 Feb - 19 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this beach motel in Punakaiki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Pancake Rocks are located ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (350 reviews) Nice place to stay in Punakaiki with some amazing views in the area. Very clean with lots of space, and in a great convenient location. Right next to a really nice beach, and just a couple minutes away from the Pancake Rocks. Parking is a little bit tight, but off-street and convenient. Check in ... Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F02%2F2026&endDate=19%2F02%2F2026&selected=9625687&PinnedHotelID=9625687&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6034172) [See all 41 properties in Punakaiki](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=17%2F02%2F2026&endDate=18%2F02%2F2026®ionId=6034172) 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45910000/45901600/45901553/ee95e3e1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Punakaiki Beach Camp 5 Owen Street Punakaiki Stay at this campsite 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! (58 reviews) We stayed in a cabin, which was small but just fine. It’s right next to the beach, and there is a central area for cooking, showers and hanging out. A really nice vibe. Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Greymouth-Hotels-Punakaiki-Beach-Camp.h45901553.Hotel-Information) ![Gorgeous Character Bach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33720000/33710500/33710488/982c5cb1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Gorgeous Character Bach Punakaiki West Coast Stay at this holiday home in Punakaiki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Pororari River Track and Pancake Rocks are ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews) We had a lovely stay at the Bach. The kitchen was well equipped and there were heaters, towels, fresh linen etc. the house was so nostalgic and lovely. Definitely recommend if you’re going to see pancake rocks. Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Punakaiki-Hotels-Gorgeous-Character-Bach.h33710488.Hotel-Information) ![Huāki Punakaiki Bach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110660000/110657600/110657537/9f7c827b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Huāki Punakaiki Bach Punakaiki West Coast Stay at this holiday home in Punakaiki. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Punakaiki Beach and Pororari River Track are located ... 10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews) Beautiful Punikaiki A most uplifting experience in a Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Punakaiki-Hotels-Huaki-Punakaiki-Bach.h110657537.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Punakaiki](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6034172&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Punakaiki hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17)[16 Feb - 17 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=2026-02-17&endDate=2026-02-18)[17 Feb - 18 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=2026-02-17&endDate=2026-02-18) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)[27 Feb - 1 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6034172&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026) ## Reviews of Punakaiki 4.5 Top destination 5 - Excellent 1 4 - Good 1 3 - Okay 0 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Verified traveller Really friendly cafe opposite the pancake rocks. ## Cities near Punakaiki ![Between Greymouth and Hokitika you can stop at the pancake rocks and blowholes. Really cool rock formation, now thought to be carved out by the wind](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110663/b7492259-e044-45d2-a59c-4a3db16c9b6a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Paparoa National Park ![In Barrytown you can make your own knife in a day. Of course you get plenty of help from Steve and Robyn. It's really cool to create your own unique souvenir. Definitely recommend it!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135255/46baa8e2-0de0-42e7-ab8b-d13caae84870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Barrytown - Cities near Punakaiki - Places of interest [Paparoa National Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Paparoa-National-Park.dx6110663)[Barrytown](https://expedia.co.uk/Barrytown.dx6135255) - [Rapahoe Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Rapahoe-Beach-Rapahoe.d6110670.Attraction) - [Underworld Adventures ](https://expedia.co.uk/Underworld-Adventures-Charleston.d553248621587293710.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app