Photo of Punakaiki Beach with black sand & pebble surface

Photo of Punakaiki Beach with turquoise water surface

Photo of Punakaiki Beach with long straight shore

Photo of Punakaiki Beach with very clean level of cleanliness

Photo of Punakaiki Beach and the settlement

Photo of Punakaiki Beach surrounded by mountains

Photo of Punakaiki Beach backed by cliffs

7.1

Good

Punakaiki Beach

Q: What is the closest accommodation to the Punakaiki Beach?

There are 15 places to stay in the Punakaiki Beach area.Some of the best hotels in the area of Punakaiki Beach include:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=2986359&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Tasman Sea Retreat</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=1737869&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Rataview</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=1451073&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Punakaiki Beach Hostel</a></li></ul>The most popular other types of accommodations nearby:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=5372920&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Paparoa Beach Hideaway with Hot Tub</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=494468&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Hydrangea Cottages</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=6781946&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Cliffscapes</a></li></ul>

Punakaiki, New Zealand

#6 out of 17 in West Coast

7.1

Good

Free entrance Amenities beach Easy access Black sand & pebble Sand & Pebbles bottom Good for swimming Short walking distance

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Located within the settlement

Punakaiki • 0.3 km

Map of beach

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About

Punakaiki Beach is located on the Tasman Sea and it is in the 6th place out of 17 beaches in the West Coast region The beach is located in an urban area, among the mountains, surrounded by the cliffs.

It is a long lasting coastline with turquoise water and black sand & pebble cover, so it is recommended to wear special shoes. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. It is not crowded place during the season. There is a campsite located nearby.

Punakaiki Beach coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, beach restaurant, changing rooms, showers, toilets. .

Please note, that this shore has a significant low tide.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also take part in other activities.

This beach is easily accessible, it is located very close to road. Parking is located directly on the beach.

Punakaiki Beach is located in West Coast within Punakaiki, which makes it not only easily accessible, but even popular among tourists. However, during the high season it is quite uncrowded, which allows you to spend a comfortable time on the coast.

The beach stretches on the coast of the South island, within the boundaries of the settlement, it is not difficult to get to it. If your stay is located not far from the beach, you can reach it by walking. In this case you will not be tied to finding parking or to the schedule of public transport. If you are traveling by car just use your navigator. In any case, do not forget about the availability of public transport and taxis.

Weather

history

+12 ^o C +10 ^o C

Air temperature

3.1 M/S

Wind

+14 ^o C

Water temperature

2.1 M

Wave height

Located within the settlement

Punakaiki • 0.3 km

Map of beach

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Located at nearest locality

Punakaiki • 23.9km from center

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Area

Average rating of nearest beaches is 6.8 (Good)

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Nearest Beaches

30.7km

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Point Elizabeth Beach Point Elizabeth Beach

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Tauranga Beach Tauranga Beach

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Kawatiri Beach Kawatiri Beach

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Serpentine Beach Serpentine Beach

6.7 Good

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Hokitika Beach Hokitika Beach

7.1 Good

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Mokihinui Beach Mokihinui Beach

6.7 Good

82.9km

Mananui Beach Mananui Beach

6.7 Good

Localities

Nearest

Punakaiki • 370m

Transport

Airport

GMN • 41.4km

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Travelers reviews

Average Reviews rating

7.1 Good

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Questions and answers

What is the water and sand quality of the Punakaiki Beach?

Punakaiki Beach has a golden sand and pebble cover. It's very clean, the surface has a mixed fraction. The water is impeccably turquoise. The entrance to the water is a mixture of sand and pebbles, so it is recommended to wear aqua shoes.

What are the key activities at Punakaiki Beach?

For the main activity - sunbathing, there are no sun loungers on the Punakaiki Beach, so you need to take personal items with you and there is no natural shade, so be careful on a hot day.

Is the Punakaiki Beach good for swimming?

The entrance to the water is very smooth, the bottom is a bit rocky, so it is recommended to wear aqua shoes. The prevalence of sharks in the area is low.

The waves in the Punakaiki Beach are usually strong. The tides are high, so sometimes you have to cross several meters to get to the water.

So the overall recommendation of the Punakaiki Beach for swimming is positive.

Is the Punakaiki Beach good for families?

Family travelers should consider the following features of the beach. On the beach, there are minimal sufficient amenities such as sun loungers or beach bar. It's covered with sand mixed with pebbles and the entrance to the water is very smooth.

Is the Punakaiki Beach secluded and good for relaxing?

The region of the Punakaiki Beach is not one of the mass tourism destinations, but is still popular with solo travelers. There are several buildings near the beach. During the high season, the occupancy of the beach is moderate, which is very good for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

The following features add extra points:

Mountains/hills in the vicinity

What are the key audiences of Punakaiki Beach?

Punakaiki Beach can be a good place for the following groups of travelers:

Campers (tent)

Is there any food or beverages in the area of Punakaiki Beach?

The bar is located right on the Punakaiki Beach.

What is the closest accommodation to the Punakaiki Beach?

There are 15 places to stay in the Punakaiki Beach area.

Some of the best hotels in the area of Punakaiki Beach include:

The most popular other types of accommodations nearby:

How far is the Punakaiki Beach from parking?

The Punakaiki Beach has a parking spot. It is not very large, so in high season it can be busy. The approximate distance from parking is less than 100 metres.

What is the best time of the year to visit Punakaiki Beach?

The month with the highest temperature in Punakaiki Beach is February. Its average value reaches 18°C. The warmest sea is in February, the average value is 18°C. The coldest month is July with air temperature 11°C and water 14°C. See more details in weather section.

Is the beach good for sunbathing?

Punakaiki Beach (South island) is not fully equipped for sunbathing. However, if you are not picky and are willing to spread out on a towel, you can sunbathe here as well. The natural shade will allow you to hide from the scorching sun in the peak of its activity. Well, the photos of our visitors will be the best proof of that, all the available photos of the beach are above.Punakaiki Beach (South island) is a place for true nature lovers, but if you like sunbathing on the beach, then this location is not the best option. There are no sunbeds and umbrellas, and even there is no natural shade to hide you from the scorching sun. From positives, the presence of sand, on which you can sit comfortably. But do not forget sunscreen for this place, such a recommendation is relevant. Photos of the beach you can see above. All photos are taken by our visitors personally.