Places to Visit in Punakaiki - Punakaiki Attractions
Things to Do in Punakaiki
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Full-day Toursfromper adult$289
Food & Drinkfromper adult$275
Bus ToursSmall Group Southern Loop 7 Days Tour
0 reviewsfromper adult$2,234
Day Tripsfromper adult$195
Attractions & Museumsfromper adult$40
Food & Drinkfromper adult$45- fromper adult$105
Attractions & Museumsfromper adult$33
Hiking Trails
Scenic walkways lead to unique limestone formations and active blowholes, set against the backdrop of a dramatic coastal landscape. Features informative signage and nearby amenities.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
National Parks
Other Top Attractions around Punakaiki
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What travellers are saying
- Kathleen W7 contributionsIt was worth the short drive from Greymouth while we waited for our train to depart. It is a scenic walk - the blow hole and pancake rocks are great. Grabbing a bite at their new cafe after was a nice treat!Written 18 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Relax32043604577Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributionsThis was a stunning & interesting beach, great rock formations etc. definitely worth a visit. Probably have to watch the tides if you want to go too farWritten 3 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rainer1 contributionEasy accessible cave with some smaller stalactites. If you want to see glowworms, you have to come during night, because the glowworms are near an 2nd opening of the cave. Consequently, it is not dark enough during daylight to see them.Written 22 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jjoChicago829 contributionsGreat hike through a lovely river canyon. There is no real end point as the trail leads to long trails for multi-day hike. Most people hike to either the first or second swinging bridge, which makes for a good moderate hike. At the recommendation of the folks in the park headquarters, we hiked about 20 or 30 minutes past the second swinging bridge and you come to a nice view point (there will be a small wooden fence on the right side of the trail) of an ox bow in the river way below the trail. Also, you can take a different track on the way back,. but that leads to hiking on a gravel road and then along the highway. We thought the trail in was so nice we were happy to hike the same trail on the way out and were happy with that decision.Written 20 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kitsune87London, UK477 contributionsUnfortunately I went to visit this cave and it is closed due to a slid in the entrance. Always check the DOC for updates before going.
" 18 November 2016: Fox River Cave closed
The Fox River Cave, situated 3.7 km up from the Fox River carpark (12 km north of Punakaiki) has been closed due to a large slip at the cave entrance. "Written 23 November 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rebecca R6 contributionsOne of the best natural attractions in NZ, you absolutely must add a visit to the Pancake Rocks to your West Coast itinerary!!Written 20 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YKPngSingapore, Singapore425 contributionsNice scenic tourist place in Punakaiki. Temperature in September is cool, around 10+C. Worth a visit on the way to Queenstown from Christchurch.Written 13 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicky WCanterbury Region, New Zealand35 contributionsAn moderate walk, but it’s not too far, so not a long walk. The history is tragic but interesting. The scenery is fascinating and beautiful!Written 16 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlaskaFamlyFairbanks, AK168 contributionsWe walked up the river track, then turned to cross the bridge. We followed the inland pack track to Bullock Creek road and walked down that to return to the highway.
The trail maintenance in the inland pack track was of a lower standard than most of what we saw in New Zealand, but still quite manageable. It was rocky and slippery in places, and I was glad to be wearing my hiking boots. There is a section with a lot of dead trees (we were later told that this was the result of a cyclone years ago) which wasn't too attractive to us, but which did seem to make excellent bird habitat. There was a lot of song. The prettiest part of the walk was really the trip back along Bullock creek road, with large cliffs framing the valley, and a view of the mountains.Written 20 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PaulaCanterbury Region, New Zealand29 contributionsThis review is for Punakaiki crafts, not the cafe as they are two different shops. The staff are very friendly and a great selection of shoes, but this shop is getting overcrowded with stock and is starting to look and feel tacky. Used to have some cool different stuff, now becoming a generic souvenir shop. Sorry, but was really disappointed looking in here today.Written 4 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mike23Taranaki Region, New Zealand6 contributionsWe started from Blackball and spent a night at each of the huts.We found the track to be well maintained and the huts well situated and clean with good facilities.We were lucky with the weather with stunning views from the escarpment.Logistics well supported by local businesses.Written 27 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Neil and Margre... S20 contributionsWell orgamised business. Kayaks in good condition and all safety gear supplied. Staff friendly and helpful. We are seniors but felt very safe paddling the first pafrt of the river. Beautiful scenery snd very peaceful. Definitely recommend this experienceWritten 1 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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