Where land meets sea
Punakaiki is a small coastal town in New Zealand's South Island and is home to less than 100 permanent residents. Located approximately 283km west of Christchurch, this scenic town is surrounded by curious limestone formations, lush rainforest, and the serene Paparoa National Park.
Just 45 minutes from the iconic TranzAlpine train journey in Greymouth, Punakaiki is a popular hotspot for locals and visitors to spend a few days of relaxing, or exploring the natural surroundings.
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Things to do in Punakaiki
Surrounded by raw beauty, Punakaiki has a lot to offer those into all-things nature and adventure.
You can't go wrong whether it's discovering the curious limestone formations at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, or renting a kayak to discover Pororari River. The towering cliffs will surely amaze as the luscious palm tree groves sway above.
If hiking is more up your alley, head to the Paparoa National Park to take in the excellent tracks or to the beach to collect perfectly oval-shaped rocks. Make sure you check out Punakaiki Cavern before you depart to immerse yourself in stalactites and glowworms!
Things to do in Punakaiki
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Formed over millennia and shaped by a unique West Coast environment, the huge sea cliffs have been moulded to look like pancakes stacked upon the shore.
To add extra excitement to this geological playground, the soft limestone has been eroded by the relentless tide of the Tasman Sea to form a series of caves and vertical channels that spout explosions of seawater high into the air.
Punakaiki Accommodation
Staying overnight in Punakaiki is a great way to transform your TranzAlpine train journey into a memorable short break. Explore our rail packages and discover how thrilling a journey to the West Coast can truly be. By staying overnight just 45 minutes north of the TranzAlpine train station, you will have the best opportunity to travel on the scenic coastal road and appreciate the beauty in the changing weather, sunrises, and sunsets.
Accommodation is included in your rail package, however if you'd like to rent a car and see Punakaiki on your own, then there are a handful of great accommodation to choose from in the area.
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Overlooking the Tasman Sea with its own lagoon and convenient location, the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is a perfect choice for a stunning escape.
With an in-house restaurant and ocean view bar, and picnic tables by the beach, you'll find everything you could possibly want for a perfect stay.
Your perfect sundown destination
Set on the coastline, looking west across a vast and open ocean, the stunning West Coast landscapes make Punakaiki one of the best places to watch the sun slowly sink into the sea.
Watch the golden hour transform this remarkable world with glowing hues of orange and pink.
Make sure you find yourself a perfect scenic spot for this wondrous spectacle—and have your camera ready.
History of Punakaiki
The history of Punakaiki stretches along before the arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 18th century.
The rugged coastline of the West Coast, which the TranzAlpine train journeys to today, has been a cherished resource of food, natural materials and even gold for many years.
Translated from Māori, Punakāiki probably means “spring of food” and relates to the abundance of food in the area. However, there is a chance that Punakāiki is simply a phonetic representation of the English word “pancakes”.
West Coast Train
Travelling to the West Coast by train couldn't be easier or more beautiful than aboard the TranzAlpine.
Weaving through the peaks of the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine Christchurch to Greymouth train ranks among the best scenic train journeys in the world.
From Greymouth, you can simply rent a car or campervan and explore Punakaiki and the West Coast at your leisure. Alternatively, you can book one of our short breaks or tours and let us take care of everything for you.
Getting to Punakaiki by train
Travel to Punakaiki by train aboard the heavenly TranzAlpine. You can choose one of our day experiences or book a short escape and discover the magic of Moana.
Explore the West Coast
From idyllic lakes to geological wonders, discover why New Zealand's West Coast is such a spectacular place to visit: