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New Zealand
> Nelson - Westland > Punakaiki
Punakaiki is Situated half an
just over a half hours drive north from
Greymouth, or south from
Westport on the coastal road. Punakaiki for most people makes
for a good break to get some fresh air and walk out to the pancake
rocks, (good wheelchair access) to view the unusual pancake rock
formations and the blowholes from which columns of sea water can
spray up in favourable sea conditions.
There is a an excellent
visitor centre with information on
the area from early history, geology,
and information on walkways within the
Paparoa
National Park and this whole coastline
was infamous as a hideaway for people escaping the
city for a relaxed rural lifestyle where the cost of
living was low many settled near Fox River.
Walkways
include Truman's Track through the
lush coastal forest to the cliff-tops
and you can explore the coastline
where sea caves, rock pools and
marine life are accessible at low
tide. For the more adventurous there
are more strenuous trails which lead
up into the Paparoa Ranges (National
Park) and there are many caves in the
area which can be explored with local
guides. The
network of walkways is based on a
track system built by gold miners
over 100 years ago.
The Pororari River on
the northern side of the village and
the lower reaches can be explored by
canoe (hire locally). The river
passes through subtropical lowland
forest and a limestone gorge.
Accommodation is available at the eco friendly
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel and other
Westland Hotels and
Motels
and there is a motor camp, bar, store and cafes.
Find more
information at:
The Paparoa
National Park Visitor Centre
Department of
Conservation
State Highway 6, Punakaiki
PO Box 1, Punakaiki
Ph +64 3 731 1895
Fax +64 3 731 1896
Getting
there: drive north from
Greymouth, or south from
Westport -
Paparoa National Park.
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