Paparoa National Park is a national park on the West Coast of South Island.

Understand

History

Paparoa National Park was established in 1987. The relatively small park is on the west coast and stretches from the shores of the Tasman Sea to the peaks of the Paparoa Range.

Visitor centre

• 1 Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre, 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki, RD1 Runanga, ☏ +64 3-731 1895. (updated Mar 2022)

Get in

The park is located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island between Westport to the north and Greymouth to the south. It is crossed by the State Highway 6. At the height of the Pancake Rocks, there's a souvenir shop with information and a restaurant. The entrance to the popular rocks is on the other side of the busy road.

See

Pancake Rocks

Although the rough landscape and the fascinating microclimate, which results from the mountain slopes rising steeply from the sea, invite you to stay for several days, most tourists only stop briefly at the Pancake Rocks, which are located directly on the road.

Pancake Rocks

This unique rock formation takes its name from distinctive structures that make the rocks look like heaps of stacked pancakes. The exact geological formation has not yet been fully clarified. With a bit of luck you can experience the rocks at high tide and strong westerly winds, which pushes the seawater upwards between the individual stones and sometimes through blowholes. Access to the rocks is accessible to disabled people and leads through lush green vegetation to the grey karst rocks. A leisurely circular walk takes about half an hour. In a few places, access is made more difficult by steps.

Do

Caving – a number of caves have also formed in the limestone near Punakaiki and in the hinterland of the park. Some of them are easily accessible. Flashlight and good shoes are required. In some caves there are fireflies.

• Hike in the nature park on the Freedom Walk or on the Truman Track
• Kayak in the waters

Eat

There are places to eat in Punakaiki.

Sleep

Lodging

• Paparoa Park Motel. (updated Jan 2022)