5 Activities in Punakaiki, New Zealand

If you are a nature lover, New Zealand is definitely on your to-visit-list. Punakaiki is a small town or kind of a small community located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The whole community lives next to the Paparoa National Park too so if you are planning to visit the park, visit the community too.

It is a small area in the big world where you can really enjoy yourself. Let’s discover some of the activities and places there and you will definitely visit it. These activities were suggested to us by our friends at Always Preferred Restoration: https://www.wedefineclean.net When they are not cleaning carpets, they are traveling the world. Here are their Punakaiki New Zealand highlights:

1. The Pancake Rocks:

When you visit Punakaiki, you will hear a lot about the Pancake Rocks. It is the most popular tourist destination there and it is located at Dolomite Point south of the main village.

The area is a heavily eroded limestone. The sea view is magnificent as it bursts through many blowholes during the season of high tides.
The main attraction of the area is formed through the creation of pancake layering of the limestone. It is formed by immense pressure on alternating hard and soft layers of marine creatures and plant sediments.

2. Exploration of the Night Sky:

Join the groups formed for a naked eye exploration of the star studded southern night sky above the West Coast of the South Island. There is almost no light, dust or air pollution which makes the scenery extremely beautiful.

There will be a guide with you who will introduce you to the astronomy of the southern hemisphere and identify some of the major constellations and the path of sun, moon and planets through the signs of the zodiac to you.

These trips take about 1-1.5 hours, starting 30 minutes after sunset or later by arranging a special trip. Bring warm clothes with you because it is kind of cold during night, especially if traveling with an infant more precaution will be needed.

3. Underworld Rafting & Glowworm Cave Tours:

The community arranges trips and magical journeys of discovery in the enormous Nile River Glowworm Caves.
It is an adventure so be ready.

4. Make Your Own Knife:

If you want to amaze yourself, join the locals in making your own knife. You will forge the blade from red hot steel, and complete it with native timber handle, brass bolsters and pins.

5. Golden Sands Horse & Wagon Tours:

If you want to enjoy the scenery, travel in the footsteps of the early pioneers down the beautiful Barry town beach in a wagon.
Spend your night over the open fire, make traditional damper bread and learn about the history of the area. You will hear nice stories.

The Conclusion:

It is a simple place to spend some time away from the busy life. Go there to relax for some days and enjoy the pure nature and simple people.