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Punakaiki - Paparoa National Park
Punakaiki is in the centre of the Paparoa National Park. The landscape
is a unique mix of karst limestone, coastal forests, sea cliffs, rocky
shores, lagoons, and human history, both European and M‰ori. It is an ideal
place for a school camp or day trip
as there are many things to do and study in a small area. If your group is
after a more challenging exercise, Punakaiki is also close to the start of
several over night tramps. |
What's
in a name
| Tama Mokau Te Rangihaeata stated that Punakaiki was a Ngäi Tahu word
which describes the neck and throat of a human being. Another interpretation
is that Puna is "a spring" and Kaike or Kaika means "lie in a heap". |
Special Features to look out for
 | The amazing rata vine climbing around a matai tree along the Truman
Track. |
| The Cavern. |
| The Putai Blowhole at high tide. |
| Aotearoa/New Zealand's only native palm, the nikau, is a prominent
feature. |
| The Westland petrel/taiko flying in to shore at dusk in autumn or winter. |
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