Punakaiki

Everyone wants to see the unique formations called Pancake Rocks, but that’s not all Punakaiki serves up.

Waves and wind have eroded the limestone coast at Dolomite Point for millennia, creating spectacular cliffs, pinnacles and blowholes. Thin limestone rocks are heaped up like stacks of pancakes. Few people realise that his fascinating limestone landscape stretches all the way to the Paparoa Mountain Range. So, after treating your eyes to the Pancake Rocks, venture inland and let them feast on the Pororari River Gorge, Punakaiki Cavern and Xanadu Cave in Paparoa National Park.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Punakaiki

Pancake Rocks

Drive along the Great Coast Road to reach these unusual rock formations, the product of 30 million years of natural moulding.

Rapahoe Beach

A small cluster of houses and some oceanfront accommodation mark one of the Great Coast Road’s sleepy enclaves, an ideal place to put your feet up.

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony

Ocean waves lap on the rocky shores of this beautiful bay where you can see multitudes of New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun.

Mount Hutt Skifield

Hit the slopes at one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, which is best known for its long season and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Get up-close to a range of animals and spot the elusive kiwi bird at this area of tranquil forestland.

International Antarctic Centre

Take a trip to Antarctica to see the animals that live there and hear tales of the intrepid travellers who risked their lives to explore it.

Fox Glacier

Discover the spectacular caves, ice fields and valleys of this enormous glacier on guided hiking, climbing and helicopter excursions.

Lake Matheson

Hike around this picturesque lake in the forest to see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps reflected in its dark waters on a clear day.

Punakaiki Hotels

Flights to Punakaiki

Punakaiki Car Hire

Punakaiki Holiday Packages