Plan & prepare
Facilities
Call in to the Department of Conservation's Paparoa National Park i-SITE Visitor Centre and see what Punakaiki has to offer. Walks, weather and track information, conservation products and services, and a visitor reservation/booking facility for your accommodation, activity and transport requirements. Open seven days.
A craft shop and cafe are located adjacent to the i-SITE Visitor Centre, and there is a wide range of accommodation in Punakaiki to choose from.
There is
NO petrol station in Punakaiki, so remember to fuel up your vehicle in either Westport or Greymouth.
Getting there
Paparoa National Park is located in the northern part of the South Island's West Coast. The park is located alongside the very scenic State Highway 6, between the towns of Westport, 55 km to the north of Punakaiki, and Greymouth 43 km to the south.
Intercity buses have a regular service to the area. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is at Westport 55 km to the north.
Safety
Safety is your responsibility
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoor Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details of your trip.
The climate at Paparoa National Park is basically temperate and in winter snow never reaches the lower portions of the park.
However, some tracks may involve river crossings so it is essential to check for the latest river conditions before starting your walk.
Much of the inland country within the park is wild and untracked, with the added danger of hidden holes and caverns. If you are going to be using the track system in the park for overnight trips make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared, and keep to the tracks.
Please check at the visitor centre for up-to-date information on weather and track conditions.