Vacation rentals in Punakaiki

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Popular amenities for Punakaiki vacation rentals

Other great vacation rentals in Punakaiki

Guest favorite
A wooden deck area features a sheltered seating arrangement with tall stools under a transparent canopy. Sunlight creates a warm ambiance, highlighting the lush greenery in the background. Gray stepping stones lead to the deck, integrated into a gravel path for easy access.
Home in Carters Beach
4.74 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Cosy well appointed home away from home.

Helena KandyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Cute wee house and excellent value for money, host was very communicative and was super easy to check in.
Guest favorite
An outdoor area features a spacious deck with wooden seating and a covered BBQ. The view overlooks the Tasman Sea, framed by coastal vegetation and a clear blue sky. Smooth stones line the pathway leading to the entrance of the house.
Home in Point Elizabeth
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviews

Large 5 bedroom home overlooking the ocean.

TracyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Great place…. Steve the owner was very responsive. We had a lovely weekend!
Superhost
The image depicts a serene beach scene, featuring gentle waves lapping against a pebbled shoreline. A clear blue sky stretches overhead, with wispy clouds visible in the distance. A rocky barrier lines the beach, and patches of grass add a touch of greenery to the area.
Home in Hector
4.63 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

Beachfront Holiday

ErinRating, 5 stars1 month ago
True kiwi bach experience, with access to the beach from the backyard. Spacious bedrooms, roaring fire and well provisioned kitchen. Host was very responsive and helpful. Would stay again!
Top guest favorite
A modern living space features a light-colored sectional sofa positioned in the foreground, with plush cushions. A dining table with wooden chairs is visible, complemented by a striking wall art piece. Large glass doors open to a grassy outdoor area, enhancing the bright ambiance.
Home in Westport
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews

Miss Eastons Whare

MelanieRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The place was just as described. Everything we needed and more. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Superhost
An aerial view captures the contemporary home nestled among lush greenery, with a white exterior and a circular design. The property features multiple outdoor areas, including a spa and seating spaces amidst vibrant foliage, offering a sense of privacy and tranquility.
Villa in Greymouth
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews

Hilltop Escape - Spa & Views

LunaRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Wow... That was our main word for this stay. The location and view was incredible. It instantly felt like a real relaxing getaway. We noticed some issues around cleanliness that I will share directly with the host so that they are aware, as this place deserves the best! The hot tub was an absolute highlight. Such a friendly and responsive host to chat to online. We had a fabulous time here and we definitely hope to return to this oasis on the hill!
Guest favorite
A circular wall art piece showcases a bird perched on a branch with vibrant flowers. The bird exhibits iridescent blue and black feathers, contrasting softly against a light background that highlights the delicate details of the scene.
Apartment in Greymouth
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

Central Bush Retreat

HollyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Carolyn’s place was great! It was easy to find and the check in instructions that she gave were very easy to follow. Carolyn also had some great recommendations of local dining options which I appreciated. The apartment was clean and homey, in a great location, and had many amenities to utilise.
Superhost
A cozy outdoor space features a wooden fire pit surrounded by stones, with flames gently rising. The back of the bungalow is visible, showcasing a spacious deck adorned with potted plants and outdoor seating, inviting relaxation in a serene environment.
Home in Hector
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 82 reviews

Willow & Waves - Huge outdoor space & Full kitchen

TessRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We had a really lovely time at Kelly’s place! Having just finished the Paparoa Great Walk it was the perfect place to recharge and relax. Very comfortable and cosy. Kelly was an incredibly generous host and left us lots of yummy treats and even lit the fire for us so the place was warm when we arrived! We definitely recommend staying at Kelly’s home.
Guest favorite
A coastal scene is depicted with cliffs rising above the ocean, framed by lush greenery. The path leads towards a viewpoint with a sign. Gentle waves can be seen lapping at the shore, and the sky is partly cloudy, emphasizing the natural beauty of the area.
Cottage in Cape Foulwind
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 436 reviews

Lazy Seal Cottage's Cottage One

MartynRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Nicki has a beautiful place and she was so friendly and welcoming. Great location for stunning views, seal colony and a useful little pub in the Star.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Punakaiki

  • Total rentals

    20 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $60 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    2.8K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    10 properties are a good fit for families

  • Wifi availability

    10 properties include access to wifi

  • Popular amenities

    Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool

Your guide to Punakaiki

All About Punakaiki

Located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the small village of Punakaiki is framed by the blue waters of the Tasman Sea and the lush vegetation of the Paparoa mountain range. Most of the town’s amenities — a few shops selling necessities, restaurants specializing in homestyle food — stretch along the Coast Road. What draws people to this remote part of the coast is the awe-inspiring scenery, from rugged, rocky coastlines to winding rivers. Punakaiki backs onto Paparoa National Park, where you can explore eight trails leading through limestone cliffs and canyons to some of the best-known spots in New Zealand, including the Pancake Rocks and blowholes formed millions of years ago.

With the variety of habitats found in Punakaiki, it’s no surprise that the village offers excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. You may even get the chance to see a Hector’s dolphin, one of the world’s smallest dolphin species, which is only found off the coast of New Zealand.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Punakaiki

The summer and autumn months of November through April tend to be the best time to visit Punakaiki. Temperatures are pleasant, with the warmest months being January through March. This is the perfect time to take a hike along the trails in Paparoa National Park. If you’re planning on spending time in the sea, the water is at its warmest in January and February as well. Winters are cold, with temperatures approaching the freezing point, but snowfall is rare. There is, however, significant rainfall throughout the year, so come prepared with waterproof shoes and a jacket.

While you won’t find many events in Punakaiki, you can enjoy festivals throughout the year nearby in Hokitika, which is only an hour away. The Hokitika screenings of the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival are held in November, and the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival — which showcases a quirky variety of local dishes — is held in March in the town square.


Top things to do in Punakaiki

Pancake Rocks

Formed more than 25 million years ago as a result of erosion, the Pancake Rocks are one of the South Island’s most photographed sites. As their name suggests, the layered limestone formations resemble stacks of flat slabs. When high tides roll in, the blowholes amid the rocks send up dramatic sprays of water, which is what has given the rocks their distinctive shape over the millennia. If you’re visiting during those times, be prepared to get a little wet.

Punakaiki Cavern

Just a short walk from the Pancake Rocks, the Punakaiki Cavern is a karst cave that was formed as the bedrock gradually dissolved. You can follow passages down into the dark for the chance to see some of New Zealand’s glow worms, which hang from cave ceilings and emit a blue glow. The area where you can safely view the caverns is clearly marked, but be sure to bring a flashlight, as it can get dark in there as the sun starts to set, and wear waterproof boots.

Shantytown Heritage Park

Around 45 minutes south of Punakaiki in the town of Greymouth, the Shantytown Heritage Park has recreated a 19th-century pioneer town that flourished during New Zealand’s West Coast gold rushes in the 1860s. You can visit a museum that displays thousands of artifacts telling the story of the gold rushes, wander along streets lined with historic buildings, ride a vintage steam train, and even pan for your own gold.

Destinations to explore

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