Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
Punakaiki Cavern
Punakaiki Cavern

Located in Paparoa National Park in the West Coast region

Explore 130 m of safe passages within a cavern very close to the main road.

This is a short walk from the village and very close to the main road. A wooden stairway gives access to 130 m of safe passages within the cavern. It can be fun for all ages. Look out for stalactites and glow worms.

The experience can be as short as a couple of minutes to walk to the entrance and look in, or longer if you want to take a torch and explore.

The cavern is signposted on SH 6, 500 m north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre in Punakaiki.

  • Remember to carry a good torch (and preferably a spare).
  • Ground can be wet. 
  • Access requires crossing the state highway. Check for traffic when leaving the cave area.