New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

A lively town, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Oceania

Welcome to the New Zealand travel pages. In this faraway country, you can expect a harmonious mixture of lakes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation... New Zealand is isolated in the middle of the ocean and is located halfway between the South Pole and the Equator. Even though it’s small in area (about the size of the UK), it has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Nature lovers are in paradise here. But this paradise is earned: you’ll have to spend long hours on an airplane to get here, and you can count on having 10 to 12 hours of jet lag once you arrive, depending on the season... But this land, which the Maori first called “Aotearoa,” the land of the long white cloud, is really worth the trip: abundant and diverse nature, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities… It’s all convenient for travellers: one of the advantages of this destination is the small size of the country, which makes all this beauty accessible, starting from your first trip to New Zealand. Your hunger for the great outdoors and desire for peace and serenity will be satisfied.

New Zealand

Auckland

Sitting by a lake in a region steeped in Maori culture, this town is a hive of geothermal activity.

Rotorua

Taupo is a small, lively town best known for its lake, which bears the same name and is the largest in New Zealand.

Taupo

With three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a must for any hiking fan or visitors interested in exploring a volcanic landscape.

Tongariro National Park

Punakaiki is mainly known for the Pancake Rocks, a spectacular site that you simply must see during your stay in New Zealand. 

Punakaiki

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Punakaiki is located halfway between Wesport and Greymouth, along the superb West Coast Drive, one of the country's most scenic routes. With its steep cliffs, enormous, windswept beaches, and impressive waves breaking on the shore, the west coast is so beautiful it takes your breath away. Add clear skies to the picture, and you can't help but be won over by the charming landscape. If you are coming from Abel Tasman, you can't help but be dazzled by the view, with the raging, west-coast waves contrasting with the peaceful, crystal-clear landscapes of the parkland. Punakaiki is well known for the Pancake Rocks, which are limestone rocks that have been worn away by the elements, and named because of their resemblance to a pile of pancakes. Even though you might have to concentrate to see pancakes in the rock formations, I found the site breathtaking. The waves that break beneath the rocks only add to the beauty of the place. I also enjoyed the Pororari-Punakaiki trail, which follows the course of the calm Pororari River, which is largely left alone by tourists, unlike the Pancake Rocks. The tiny village of Punakaiki itself has very little of interest to offer, except for a small café and a tourist information office where you can find out about the activities that are on offer in the region.

Punakaiki is mainly known for the Pancake Rocks, a spectacular site that you simply must see <a href="/new-zealand/">during your stay in New Zealand</a>.

Whilst touring along the <a href="/new-zealand/">roads of New Zealand</a>, I came across Punakaiki and can tell you it's one of the prettiest parts of the west coast on the South Island. The landscape took my breath away - I was in another world; a parallel universe where time stood still. The peace that reigns over this region is perfect if you want to unwind and let go. There's a great walk of about three hours along the Pororari River. It takes you uphill but it's not a difficult hike. I'll also never forget the beautiful sunset over the Tasman Sea, a moment made even better by the fact that it wasn't riddled with tourists!

Nestled between mountains and the Tasman Sea, the village of Punakaiki has nothing particular to offer in itself. It does, however, sit in a stunning landscape with cliffs that come straight out of a King Kong movie.

Punakaiki Vacations

Punakaiki: How to get there?

Punakaiki: See when to go ?

Punakaiki: For how long?

Punakaiki: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations