Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Punakaiki to Greymouth
The highway from Punakaiki to Greymouth is flanked by white-capped waves and rocky
bays on one side, and the steep, bushy Paparoa Ranges on the other.
At
Barrytown
, 17km south of Punakaiki, Steve and Robyn run
Barrytown Knifemaking
(
03-731 1053, 0800 256 433;
www.barrytownknifemaking.com
; 2662 SH6, Barrytown; classes $150; closed Mon)
,
where you can make your own knife - from hand-forging the blade to crafting a handle
from native rimu timber. The day-long course features lunch, archery, axe-throwing and a
stream of entertainingly bad jokes from Steve. Bookings essential, and transport from
Punakaiki can be arranged.
With a rainforest backdrop and coastal views,
Ti Kouka House
( 03-731 1460;
www.tikoukahouse.co.nz
;
2522 SH6, Barrytown; d incl breakfast $305; )
further amazes with its splendid
architectural design, recycled building materials, and sculptural artwork both inside and
out. It's an excellent B&B with three luxurious rooms.
Breakers
( 03-762 7743;
www.breakers.co.nz
; 1367 SH6, Nine Mile Creek; d incl breakfast $215-365; )
,
14km north of Greymouth, is one of the best-kept secrets on the coast. Beautifully appoin-
ted en suite rooms overlook the sea, with fine surfing opportunities at hand for the intrep-
id. The hosts are sporty, friendly and have a nice dog.
Two kilometres south is
Rapahoe
, 12km shy of Greymouth. This tiny seaside settlement
is the northern trailhead for the enjoyable Point Elizabeth Walkway (
Click here
)
. Should
you require refreshment before or after your walk, call in to the
Rapahoe Hotel
(1 Beach Rd;
mains $12-29)
, a simple country pub offering warm hospitality and a good feed of fish and
chips in a picturesque location.