Top 5 walks under 30 minutes

Our short walks offer a high reward to effort ratio, a perfect option for all ages and a great way to experience our dramatic West Coast when limited on time

Here are five of our most-loved trails near Punakaiki Beach Camp offering breathtaking scenery on easy terrain. 

1 – Truman Track

Distance: 1.4 km return from carpark or 5 km return from Punakaiki Beach Camp via shared cycle path

The Truman Track is one of the West Coast’s gems. The trail winds through subtropical forest before opening onto a dramatic stretch of coastline with sea caves, cliffs, and crashing surf.

At low tide, you can explore the picturesque beach which is decorated with tiny colorful stones and rock features.

2 – Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Track

Distance: 1.1 km loop (an additional 1km to walk to track start from Punakaiki Beach Camp)

By far our best known walk for its iconic layered limestone formations, the Pancake Walks & Blowholes track offers an impressive insight into our geological history and marine life. Visit any time of the day but at high tide you will really see the blowholes kicking off.

3 – Dolomite Point Lookout

Distance: <500m

Across the road from the Pancake Rocks a short lookout track takes a gradual ascent through pristine forest, weaving up behind the visitor centre to offer a unique perspective over the main hub of Punakaiki. A perfect addition to walking the pancake rocks or a lovely sunset viewing platform, this is a welcome new addition to our trails in Punakaiki. You will also notice just on from the track is the new Te Korowai o Punangairi walkway (760m) which leads to the Punakaiki River, south of the Pancake Rocks.

4 – Pororari River Walk

Distance: 2-7km return

This is a great out and back option which you can make as short or long as you want. The temperate rainforest track follows a glassy green river (after clear weather) and connects to the larger Paparoa Track. About 1km in is a seat with a picturesque lookout point framed by limestones cliffs so we recommend making it this far. After this you can head back or carry on. Depending how far you decide to go you will pass the Inland Pack Track bridge (don’t turn here; this is a different hike) and then come to a further a suspension bridge which is good for a resting or stopping point. Continuing past this point would take you further up the Paparoa Track, which would no longer be a short walk!

5 – Pororari Lagoon Walk

Distance: <500m

Directly from the Punakaiki Beach camp, next to the entrance to Paddle ‘N Carve you will find a short track taking you to the Pororari lagoon and beach, offering a further opportunity for walking the beach or dipping your toes in the lagoon. At low tide the lagoon can be a great place for kids to have a safe splash under your watchful eye.

We hope you enjoy these accessible walks offering incredible views of our little paradise!