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Vacation rentals in Punakaiki

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Punakaiki

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Superhost
Home in Fox River
Waituhi at Whitehorse Bay ~ wrapped in nature
Waituhi (Glowing Waters) sits within lush gardens and temperate rainforest just above the wild Tasman Sea. With stunning views in a dreamlike setting, you will instantly relax & recharge. One of only two homes sharing private Whitehorse Bay, it's perfect if you want a beach all to yourself. Step through the garden onto one of the Coast's most scenic and undiscovered beaches. Enjoy glowing sunsets and wild West Coast storms. Wrapped in nature ~ This is 'end of the earth' escapism at its best!
$108 per night
Superhost
Cottage in Fox River
Place for 2 with a sea view 1 Bedroom / W/ Hot Tub
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. Spectacular elevated views will greet you on arrival, inviting you into our piece of paradise. This one bed-roomed luxury getaway is a private, warm, and relaxing place to unwind. Surrounded by native bush and oceanic views over the Tasman, it's a perfect getaway to absorb the beauty of the West Coast and everything it has to offer. The stunning coast road is right at your doorstep and is regarded as one of the top 10 drives in the world.
$171 per night
Guest suite in Punakaiki
Punakaiki Garden Suite nestled amongst Nikau Palms
Sunny, self-contained studio apartment - the latest addition to my Kiwiana Paua Palace residence. Prime location near the Punakaiki river mouth, opposite the Paparoa Track, NZ's most recently opened Great Walk. I live in the adjoining apartment, a tour guide with 26 yrs experience. Beach and river mouth access; Pancake Rocks, cafe, shop and visitor centre are within walking distance.
$82 per night

Stay near Punakaiki's top sights

Pancake Rocks Cafe24 locals recommend
Punakaiki Tavern Accommodation & Bistro10 locals recommend
Pororari River Track3 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Punakaiki

Superhost
Cottage in Punakaiki
Te Tute Bach ~ Relax & Recharge
$90 per night
Superhost
Guesthouse in Fox River
Sunset Bach
$78 per night
Superhost
Tiny home in Punakaiki
Wai-iti Retreat.
$96 per night
Superhost
Home in Punakaiki
"Punakaiki Dreaming" - Gorgeous Character Bach
$91 per night
Superhost
Cabin in Fox River
Sva's Hut, magnificent elevated ocean views
$99 per night
Superhost
Home in Fox River
Little Blue ~ toes in the water
$96 per night
Superhost
Apartment in Punakaiki, West Coast
Sunny warm Haven
$137 per night
Superhost
Home in Punakaiki
Absolute Beachfront Home - Punakaiki
$207 per night
Superhost
Guesthouse in Punakaiki
Seaside Cottage, Paparoa Park Motel
$177 per night
Home in Fox River
Kai’s Retreat - something extra special!
$165 per night
Chalet in Te Miko
Paparoa Whare
$108 per night
Chalet in Punakaiki
Wharepuni Guest House Punakaiki
$102 per night

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.

Other types of stays on Airbnb

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