Paparoa National Park
Paparoa National Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
30 reviews
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29
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1
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xtoflille
Lille32 contributions
I could not believe my eyes when I entered Papaora National Park.
Most people (tourist buses etc) flock to the Pancake Rocks : to me Pancake rocks are [-], a tourist trap and it's a pity to witness everyday comings and goings of tens of buses that stop in Punakaiki just for 5 minutes in the Rocks !!!
The real wonder in Punakaiki apart from its wonderful beach and cliffs is its marvelous forest, such a wonder... I nearly cried when I discovered this park, the beautiful display of colours, the trees, cliffs, rocks, the peculiar smell and bird songs ...
Most people (tourist buses etc) flock to the Pancake Rocks : to me Pancake rocks are [-], a tourist trap and it's a pity to witness everyday comings and goings of tens of buses that stop in Punakaiki just for 5 minutes in the Rocks !!!
The real wonder in Punakaiki apart from its wonderful beach and cliffs is its marvelous forest, such a wonder... I nearly cried when I discovered this park, the beautiful display of colours, the trees, cliffs, rocks, the peculiar smell and bird songs ...
Written April 8, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamachoco
London, UK238 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We walked the Truman Track and visited the Pancake Rocks, but the highlight of our short visit here was the Porarari River track. It's a very well maintained track following the river through a gorge, with huge cliffs towering above you, and a magical forest that makes you feel like there could be a dinosaur lurking behind each corner. We walked up to where the track meets another track at a swingbridge. There was a lot of storm damage to the trees in that part, but the track had been cleared already.
Bring some snacks and allow about 3 hours to do this wonderful walk.
Bring some snacks and allow about 3 hours to do this wonderful walk.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgenwashington
Washington, UK13 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
I did two separate 'day walks' in Paparoa National Park.
The first was to the site of the Cave Creek, where 14 people lost their lives in 1995 when a viewing platform collapsed. This is a very peaceful and special place to visit. The path is well defined from the top of Bullock Creek Road.
The second walk was north from the same car park though some amazing temperate rainforest. Huge mosses and wonderful ferns. Once again a well defined path but be prepared to wade a river (you will be wet in any case). It was on this walk that I saw a Kiwi. I was only a few feet from it and it was definitely a Kiwi but when I told people back at the hostel I might as well have said I saw a Leprechaun carrying a pot of gold!
On both walks I probably only saw a total of 3 people, wonderful place for some solitude.
The first was to the site of the Cave Creek, where 14 people lost their lives in 1995 when a viewing platform collapsed. This is a very peaceful and special place to visit. The path is well defined from the top of Bullock Creek Road.
The second walk was north from the same car park though some amazing temperate rainforest. Huge mosses and wonderful ferns. Once again a well defined path but be prepared to wade a river (you will be wet in any case). It was on this walk that I saw a Kiwi. I was only a few feet from it and it was definitely a Kiwi but when I told people back at the hostel I might as well have said I saw a Leprechaun carrying a pot of gold!
On both walks I probably only saw a total of 3 people, wonderful place for some solitude.
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drakewla
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg8 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
This area is surprisingly beautiful! The wild coast is amazing and the waves make it even greater for photography (but no swimming because is it extremely dangerous). Go for a day walk, visit some caves and enjoy the changing landscapes, or go for kayaking.
Written May 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leelike
Cork,Ireland33 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
Only had 1 day here and so we only saw the pancake rocks part of this national park. it was fantastic. scenery is amazing and the rock formation incredible. there is a lovely easy walk around the cliffs and there is nice little info boards to read along the way. blow hole was worth seeing alone. highly recommend this
Written April 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alicevarren
Washington DC, DC355 contributions
Mar 2011
This park has one of nature's best wonders - the pancake rocks, which look like stacked pancakes on a plate formed into various shapes by the wind and other elements. The rocks are basically the remains of millions of years worth of calcified animal remains that were pressed together by upward forces from the earth's core and downward forces from the ocean. The park is well designed and organized to gives the best view of the various rock formations and blow holes. It was a lovely afternoon walk, and I would certainly recommend it.
Written April 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soalbar
Christchurch, New Zealand19 contributions
Mar 2011
The Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki) at Paparoa National Park are astonishing. The paths leading to the rocks are well kept and safe for children. I have a 2 year old, so this was a concern. The rocks are amazing, the sound of the waves hitting rocks astonishing. The "chimney" was probably the most exciting view, if you got a chance to see it. A long tube-shaped rock formation that expels a fume-like water spurt when the waves are strong enough for the water to reach out so high. It was sunny when I was there, so we could also see a rainbow to our excitement.
Totally worth seeing, especially on a sunny day.
Totally worth seeing, especially on a sunny day.
Written March 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlbanyRick
Albany, Australia2,030 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
This national park was one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand's South Island, and it has so much to offer beyond just the well known Pancake Rocks. Spend a good day here, and check out these must-see places:
- Pancake Rocks: beautiful geology, stunning rocks, and amazing especially when the swell is big in the Blowhole and Chimney Pot.
- Punakaiki Cavern: a cave you can explore for free with a torch.
- Punakaiki Gorge: there's a nice walk trail that goes right beside the river through this gorge.
- Truman Track: a short walk to the beach, with magnificent and massive sea caves.
- The beach: the Punakaiki Beach Camp is a good place to stay, and you can enjoy a sunset beach walk here.
Many other hikes are in the area, and it deserves more than just a passing visit.
- Pancake Rocks: beautiful geology, stunning rocks, and amazing especially when the swell is big in the Blowhole and Chimney Pot.
- Punakaiki Cavern: a cave you can explore for free with a torch.
- Punakaiki Gorge: there's a nice walk trail that goes right beside the river through this gorge.
- Truman Track: a short walk to the beach, with magnificent and massive sea caves.
- The beach: the Punakaiki Beach Camp is a good place to stay, and you can enjoy a sunset beach walk here.
Many other hikes are in the area, and it deserves more than just a passing visit.
Written February 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lowens311
Kansas City, MO623 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
You will be missing out if you do not add this park to your trip agenda. The pancake rocks and blowholes were amazing. I recommend going at high tide to get the most out of the experience, as the waves crash in and it is really quite something. The nice circular walk is easy and wasn't crowded when we were there. Great place to watch the sea and relax.I'm sure there is more to do here than we did, but we saw teh rocks and blowholes and visited the shops. FYI for birders, saw Weka and spotted shags here.
Written July 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
champkis
Dublin, Ireland1,754 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
A lovely national park. The coastal drive is very nice with lots of places to pull in and nice short little scenic walks. Lovely scenery in general. There are some longer walks too but we stuck to the short ones! If you're not into walking, the views from the car are good too!
Written June 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ABTOP
Atlanta439 contributions
Hello, how much time does it take to explore Pancake Rocks, Punakaki Cavern, Punakaiki Gorge, and Truman Track?
Many thanks in advance!!
Alex.
connie
Sarasota, FL150 contributions
We will be on a rail/bus pass. Traveling from Nelson, how would we get there? Do you need a car to explore the park?
birder0hi0
Dayton, OH27 contributions
In March, are sandflies usually a problem when hiking the Truman Track and Poroari River Track with lots of stops for bird watching?
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Paparoa National Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 29 |
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Very Good Reviews | 1 |
Paparoa National Park Photos | 49 |