Punakaiki

Punakaiki holidays are famous for Pancake Rocks and blowholes and the small settlement provides accommodation and refreshment for all visitors. The west coast settlement of Punakaiki is on the doorstep of the Paparoa National Park, which is full of secret caves, disappearing streams and river gorges. Punakaiki is also the closest population centre to the amazing Pancake Rocks and accompanying blowholes.
The rocks are the result of a layering and weathering process; to see the blow holes in action, aim to visit around high tide. At Punakaiki you’ll find a variety of accommodation, from hostels and homestays to self-contained cottages; there’s also a range of eating places and galleries. Local operators provide horse treks, canoe hire, caving, guided walks and rafting adventures.

There are a few ways to travel to Punakaiki, all which provide spectacular scenery. The fastest way from the North Island is flying direct to either Christchurch or Nelson You can also drive from Christchurch to Punakaiki. The driving time from Christchurch is four hours which offers breath taking scenery via Arthur's Pass. From Nelson the drive is three and half hours where you follow the mighty Buller River through the Buller gorge.