Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-731 1111;
www.tenikauretreat.co.nz
;
19 Hartmount Pl; sites from $18, dm $28, d $75-90, cab-
ins from $96; )
Relax, restore and explore at this unconventional property con-
sisting of numerous buildings nestled into their own rainforest nooks, just a short walk to
the beach. There are rooms in the main building, several cute cabins, and the larger
Nikau Lodge sleeping up to 9.
Hydrangea Cottages
COTTAGES $$$
( 03-731 1839;
www.pancake-rocks.co.nz
;
SH6; d $140-310; )
On a hillside overlooking
the Tasman, these five standalone and mostly self-contained cottages (largest sleeping up
to seven) are built from salvaged timber and river stones. It's a classy but relaxed en-
clave, with splashes of colourful mosaic and pretty cottage gardens. The owners also run
the horse-trekking stables.
Punakaiki Tavern
PUB $$$
(
www.punakaikitavern.co.nz
;
SH6; mains $19-33; 8am-late; )
Whether it's breakfast,
lunch or dinner, this pub does decent portions of honest food served in comfortable sur-
rounds. Most nights the punters are a mix of local and international, so there's ample op-
portunity for conversation and friendly debate over the rules of pool.
Information
The
Paparoa National Park visitor information centre and i-SITE
( 03-731 1895;
www.doc.govt.nz
; SH6; 9am-5pm Oct-Nov, to 6pm Dec-Mar, to 4.30pm Apr-Sep)
has info on
the park and track conditions, and handles bookings for attractions and accommodation
including hut tickets.
An online directory of local activities and operators is maintained by
Punakaiki Pro-
Getting There & Away
and south to Greymouth (45 minutes) and Fox Glacier (five hours).
Naked Bus
(
www.nakedbus.com
)
runs to the same destinations three days a week. Both companies stop
long enough for passengers to admire the Pancake Rocks.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Punakaiki to Greymouth
