Can you swim at Punakaiki Beach?
Stroll Along Punakaiki Beach. Finally, enjoy a bit of beachcombing along the stunning Punakaiki Beach. This beach is decorated in driftwood, as well as fascinating seabirds like gulls, terns and oystercatchers. For swimming, choose the Punakaiki River lagoon mouth (elsewhere is dangerous).
What is punakaiki known for?
Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. It is also the centre for Paparoa National Park, which features 30,000 hectares of varied landscape from mountain tops, rainforest and rugged beaches at sea level.
How many people live in Punakaiki?
Punakaiki. Nestled at the foot of the Paparoa National Park, the small coast town of Punakaiki is home to around 70 full time residents. Midway between Westport and Greymouth (an easy 40 minute drive), Punakaiki is one of the most visited conservation areas in New Zealand.
How long is the Truman Track?
The Truman Track takes about 15 minutes each way to walk and we found this to be true when walking with kids too. The track is around 1.4km long.
Is Punakaiki worth visiting?
The verdict You won’t regret visiting this jewel of the South Island. Punakaiki has so much to offer that can’t be done in one day. It’s worth dedicating some time to this region to explore all its nooks and crannies.
What does punakaiki mean in Maori?
Punakaiki, is named from the Maori words ‘puna’ for a spring (blowholes) and ‘Kaika’ meaning ‘to be in a heap’ (pancake rocks).
What does Punakaiki mean in Maori?
Why is it called Pancake Rocks?
Thousands of years of rain, wind and sea spray have etched the softer siltstone into nearly-horizontal grooves, and rounded the edges of the limestone layers, which together look like giant layers of pancakes.
How long is Cape Foulwind walkway?
3.7-mile
Experience this 3.7-mile out-and-back trail near Westport, West Coast. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 39 min to complete.
When should I go to Pancake Rocks?
The best time to visit Pancake Rocks is during the high tide to see the blowholes along the way at its peak. But even during the low tide, it’s worth visiting Punakaiki, and we know that it’s not possible to plan your day solely around tides timetable, especially if your itinerary is packed.
What is there to see between Nelson and Punakaiki?
Day 1 – Picton to Punakaiki
- Nelson. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Havelock to Nelson with the picturesque road heading up, down and around mountains, over rivers and streams and through forests.
- Murchison.
- Hawks Crag & the Kilkenny Lookout.
- Westport & Cape Foulwind.
- Punakaiki.
- Lake Mahinapua.