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Covetrip / Beach / Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand

Punakaiki Beach

4.5 / 5 · 1 204 reviews Oceania Updated June 2026

Punakaiki Beach is at Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand in West Coast, New Zealand.

Wild Tasman Sea beach beside the Pancake Rocks. Shore type: sand. Use the map and nearby stays on this page to plan access and overnight options.

CoveTrip lists verified coastal places with practical details for travellers comparing New Zealand beaches.

At a glance

Water temperature
13 °C
Sea state
Rough
Waves
5.6 m
Shoreline
site.features.sand
Region
West Coast
Country
New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

Where is Punakaiki Beach?

Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand

What type of shore is it?

sand

Which region is it in?

West Coast, New Zealand

Is it good for swimming?

Check local conditions and lifeguard advice; NZ beaches vary with surf and currents.

How do I find nearby hotels?

See the stays section on this page for properties within driving distance.

7-day forecast

20/09
12°
Wind 49 km/h
UV index 3
21/09
13°
11°
Wind 29 km/h
UV index 5
22/09
13°
10°
Wind 35 km/h
UV index 5
23/09
12°
Wind 27 km/h
UV index 6
24/09
12°
10°
Wind 19 km/h
UV index 6
25/09
11°
10°
Wind 11 km/h
UV index 1
26/09
13°
11°
Wind 35 km/h
UV index 1

Best season to swim

Real historical monthly sea temperature averages.

Jan
18.1°
Feb
17.9°
Mar
17.6°
Apr
16.8°
May
15.8°
Jun
14.8°
Jul
13.9°
Aug
13°
Sep
12.7°
Oct
13.3°
Nov
15°
Dec
16.7°

Places to stay nearby

Punakaiki Beach Hostel

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
696 m

Te Nikau Retreat

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
950 m

Punakaiki Forest Retreat

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
969 m

Hydrangea Cottages

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
1.6 km

Punakaiki Beach Camp

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
2.2 km

Kais Retreat

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
2.3 km

Punakaiki Beachfront Motels

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
2.3 km

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
2.6 km

View With A Room NZ

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
3 km

Seascapes

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
3.1 km

Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Garden Bar

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
3.3 km

Tasman Sea Retreat

Stay near Punakaiki Beach
≈ see partner
3.8 km