Explore Paparoa National Park
West Coast, New Zealand
The Paparoa National Park is located in the West Coast region of New Zealand.
Established in 1987, Paparoa National Park is famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes of Dolomite Point, near the small settlement of Punakaiki.
The Paparoa National Park offers a wide range of attractions including coastal forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, caves and underground streams, and a spectacular coastline. There are a range of walking and tramping tracks available in the park, the longest being the Inland Pack Track at two to three days.
There is accommodation available at Punakaiki, and one campsite located within Paparoa National Park.
Paparoa National Park Activities
West Coast, New Zealand
Activities in Paparoa National Park include:
- Bushwalking, tramping
- Mountain biking, cycling
- Caving
- Canoeing, kayaking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Bird watching
- Camping, picknicking
- Guided activities
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are world-famous and are located a short 20-minute loop walk from where you park your vehicle on the main highway at Punakaiki.
The limestone rocks are so named because they look like giant pancakes. They are best viewed at high tide in a westerly sea.
Paparoa National Park Conservation
The Paparoa National Park is managed by the Department of Conservation. Some things to remember include:
- Do not take dogs or other animals into the reserve
- Light fires only in designated areas
- Take your rubbish away with you
- Do not remove or disturb any artifacts or other historic remains
- Camp only in designated camping areas
