WEST COAST: WESTPORT

Punakaiki, or the Pancake Rocks, is at the heart of the Paparoa National Park where you can easily spend a few days exploring amazing geological features and unique experiences.

We called in in mid-Autumn and only had time to spend a couple of hours exploring the walk through the pancake rocks and blowholes, and finish off with a quick look through the visitor centre.

However, there's a sub-tropical rain forest with coastal tracks to explore. For the more adventurous, you can go rock climbing and caving, swimming, surfing, fishing or kayaking. And there's a nice cafe to finish off each day.

Be sure to check out the Punakaiki website if you're planning to visit. This is the premium West Coast experience, and well worth taking the time to have a good look around.

There is plenty of parking in the main carpark, but you can't stay there overnight. However, there is a holiday park and also freedom camping available nearby.

Pancake rock formation with the Tasman sea in the background