Punakaiki: Limestone, Coast and Rainforest

Punakaiki showcases a wide variety of landscapes: limestone karst, coast and lush rainforest. The Paparoa Track passes through alpine peaks, karst landscapes and forest sections along a route that crosses the Paparoa Range and ends in Punakaiki. The spectacular views are also part of this landscape experience.

Trails and Getting Your Bearings in Punakaiki

The Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre is located in the Punangairi building in Punakaiki. There you can get visitor information to help you explore the national park, as well as information, tickets and maps for Great Walks and backcountry trails. The centre is a practical starting point in town for planning these walks.

Another route through the town is the 4.2 km shared cycle and walking path. It connects the Punakaiki River in the south with the Truman Track entrance at the northern end of Punakaiki and was completed on 26 January 2026. The route therefore connects two named locations in town for cyclists and pedestrians.

Limestone, Blowholes and Coast

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk is at Dolomite Point, near the small settlement of Punakaiki. The short, paved trail passes through a limestone landscape featuring pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. The blowholes are especially impressive at high tide and in a southwest swell. So, as well as the landscape, the timing of your visit also plays a part in this natural experience.

The trail can be visited in any weather and is suitable for children. Apart from an optional short section with steps, it is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Rainforest, Waterfall and Underground Passages

The Truman Track is 3 km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. It is signposted from SH6. If you are driving from Punakaiki, the car park is on the right, opposite the track entrance. The trail leads through pristine rainforest to a wild stretch of West Coast shoreline, where a waterfall cascades down to the beach below.

Punakaiki Cavern, near the village and on Great Coast Road, offers a different perspective. It has 130 m of safe underground passages with stalactites and glowworms. This means that Punakaiki offers coastal formations, a rainforest trail and an underground experience side by side, each with a different way to explore.

Plan Your Trip Around Your Experiences

For navigation, keep the distances given for the Truman Track and the shared cycle and walking path separate: 3 km describes the track’s location north of the Visitor Centre; 4.2 km is the length of the route connecting the Punakaiki River and the track entrance. These figures refer to different locations and measurements. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Punakaiki, your preferred focus for the trip can be a good place to start: a short, paved coastal walk, rainforest and waterfall, underground passages, or the changing landscapes along the Paparoa Track.

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Go to the main travel overview: Buller District.