Punakaiki Beach Camp

Punakaiki Beach Camp sits in a spectacular beachside setting adjoining Paparoa National Park, just 700m north of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on New Zealand’s dramatic West Coast. Beneath towering limestone cliffs, the camp offers powered and non-powered sites ranging from beachfront positions where you fall asleep to the sound of crashing surf, to sheltered spots surrounded by native bush. Eight riverside cabins look up towards the national park, and four holiday houses are also available for larger groups. The camp also serves as the base for the Paparoa Track shuttle service, making it an ideal staging point for New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk.

Facilities include a fully equipped electric kitchen with a separate gas kitchen for larger groups, a dining and social room, an al fresco covered dining area, hot showers, flush toilets with disability access, laundry, and a drying room. A dump station is available for self-contained vehicles. WiFi is available in the kitchen area. Sites are well-sized on sealed roads and contoured land that provides privacy and shelter, with good drainage even in wet weather. No pets are allowed. Check-in is from 2pm to 8:30pm. The camp is on Owen Street, off SH6, and an easy 45-minute drive from either Westport or Greymouth.

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a 15-minute walk south along the road, best visited at high tide when the blowholes are most dramatic. The Pororari River Track leads into a stunning limestone gorge through nikau palm forest, and the Truman Track provides a short walk to a wild, scenic beach. Kayaking up the Pororari River is a popular activity, with hire available on site. Surfing and body boarding are possible on the beach, and a free glow worm cave is a short walk away. The Punakaiki Tavern is just around the corner for evening meals.