A selection of scenic walks in the Punakaiki area of the West Coast of New Zealand.





About
Truman track
Time: 15 Minutes.
Skill level: Easy.
This walk emerges from the sub tropical rainforest to a spectacular coastline with cliffs and sea caves.
Truman Track is a walk through unspoiled subtropical forest where podocarp and rātā trees tower above thickets of vine and nīkau palms.
The track emerges on a spectacular coastline with cliffs, caverns, a blowhole and a waterfall that plummets straight onto a rock-strewn beach. Get spectacular coastal views from a viewing platform. A stairway provides access to the beach.
Getting there:
The start of the track is off SH 6, 3 km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre in Punakaiki.
There is a small carpark across the road. Take care when crossing.
- It is not safe to go onto the beach during rough seas or high tide. Rogue waves are a risk on this beach at all times.
- The area above the beach including the area at the high tide mark has large rock overhangs. Do not linger under or near any sections of rock overhang at any time.
Pororari River walk
Time: 1.5 hours
Skill level: Moderate.
The first 15 minutes of this walk takes you to a seat overlooking a spectacular view of the river gorge and limestone cliffs - 1km north of the Visitor Centre on SH6. Follow a spectacular limestone gorge on a short walk, or make a loop for a longer walk. The Pororari River Track is the pedestrian entry/exit for the Paparoa Great Walk.
Pancake Rocks / Dolomite Point walkway
Time: 20-minutes.
Skill level: Easy.
Blowholes and spectacular rock formations, ocean views, SH 6, midway between Westport and Greymouth. Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk that's great for children.
- Find out more about Pancake Rocks/ Dolomite Point walkway.
Tiropahi walk
Time: Two hours.
Skill level: Easy.
Old bush tramway via milling site, river and limestone bluffs. One river crossing.
Location
Punakaiki, New ZealandRelated listings
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