Paparoa National Park

Caving

Caving and cave-rafting in the Nile River valley is splendid. Join a caving trip at Charleston, on the northern end of the park. This suits able-bodied walkers and is a great trip to take older children on, so long as they can walk at least two hours unassisted. The trip also takes you by a glowworm cave and if you're brave you can join a cave-rafting trip back down the river.

Horse Trekking

Down the southern end of Punakaiki village you can join a horse trek. Ride up the bed of the Punakaiki River with towering cliffs on either side, or ride along the surf beach to view the pancake rocks from below.

Kayaking

Take a kayak trip up the Pororari River on the northern side of Punakaiki village. Kayaks can be hired just by the road bridge. This is a beautiful way to see the more gentle aspects of the bush and the canyon walls, without getting muddy boots.

Walking

You only need 20 minutes to follow the Pancake Rocks walk. You'll see mighty stacks of limestone (yes, shaped like pancakes), the surge pool, and the far-reaching coastal views. If it's a really clear day you can see Mt. Cook, and if the tide and wind are right you'll see the blowholes blowing spray like a breaching whale. The Truman Track and the Punakaiki Cavern walk can also be done in less than an hour; you'll need a torch for the cavern. Tramping tracks here are mostly serious backcountry hikes that require previous experience or a guide. Make your intentions known at the DOC Centre before leaving and carry good survival gear. The area can be lashed by heavy rain at any time of year, so if rivers rise during your trip don't try and cross them.

Eco-Stays

Birds Ferry Lodge, north of Punakaiki, about 30 minutes toward Westport, is a newly built lodge. It sits atop the pakihi (poorly drained mineral soil) country, with distant views of the coast and more intimate views of native forest in the valley below. The lodge and its accompanying cottage have been built to maximize the thermal mass of the flooring, which is heated by solar gain. Native birds are encouraged to visit and the native bush in the valley below acts as a wildlife corridor, allowing birds to move between the mountains and the coast. The lodge has substantial vegetable gardens and all food waste is composted on-site. Other waste is sorted for recycling wherever possible.