A Hidden Gem on the West Coast

There’s something truly special about the West Coast – it has this wild, untouched kind of beauty that’s hard to put into words. Punakaiki had been sitting high on our family South Island must-visit list for a while, and now that we’ve been, I can honestly say it’s every bit as magical as I’d hoped. Every part of the South Island offers something unique, but Punakaiki just hit differently.

It was Scenic Hotel Punakaiki that made our stay what it was. The moment we arrived, I felt this calm, grounding energy – like time slowed down a little. As soon as we arrived, I was in awe – think wooden lodge meets coastal hotel, beach meets rainforest. It was unlike anything I have come across in New Zealand so far.

We checked in to the warmest welcome, and our room couldn’t have been better – spacious, clean, cosy (they even turned on the heaters for us before we got there) and right on the ocean. The sound of the waves became our background music, and the balcony quickly turned into our little family hangout spot. Mornings were for hot chocolates and chats in pyjamas, and evenings for watching the sunset together, wrapped in blankets while the kids told us their favourite parts of the day.

The kids wasted no time dragging us down to the beach. It’s not a swimming beach, but it’s still the best kind of playground. Sand, sticks, and rocks kept them busy for ages (proof that nature really does make the best toys). We ended each day watching the most beautiful sunsets while they played along the shore – the kind of slow, simple moments that make travelling as a family so special.

The on-site restaurant, Ocean View, was just as special. Huge windows with views that stretch forever, a calm, relaxed vibe, and a team that made us feel so welcome. The buffet had everything we needed, and they even had our table ready each morning with a highchair waiting – little touches that just make life easier when travelling with kids. We enjoyed dinner here on some nights and ordered from the menu for room service on others, sometimes you just need to eat in your PJs while the kids wind down from a big day.

Punakaiki is perfectly placed between Westport and Greymouth, so we used it as our base to explore the area. One of the absolute highlights was visiting Tauranga Bay Seal Colony near Westport (about 50 minutes drive from the hotel). It’s a short, family-friendly walk that takes you to a lookout right above a seal colony – we could see so many mother and baby seals playing below! We even spotted penguins on the way back down using the permanent binoculars we came across on the walk.

We couldn’t visit Punakaiki without stopping at the famous Pancake Rocks. It’s a beautiful, easy walk (even stroller-friendly!) that winds through bush and along the cliffs. We missed the blowholes as we weren’t there at high tide, but it was still an incredible experience. And yes, we finished off with pancakes at the Pancake Rocks Café, because how could we not? If you’re planning a visit, stock up on supplies in Westport or Greymouth, as there aren’t many shops or dairies in Punakaiki itself – part of what makes it feel so wonderfully remote.

The drive along the Great Coast Road (between Westport and Greymouth) is said to be one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world, and honestly I couldn’t get enough of it – it’s unreal. Every turn reveals another breathtaking view – towering cliffs, wild waves, and endless coastline.

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki was the perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and connection to nature. It’s one of those places that leaves you feeling grounded and grateful – the kind of stay that reminds you how beautiful New Zealand really is, and how lucky we are to experience it together as a family.

If you’re planning a trip along the West Coast, make Punakaiki your stop. Between the hotel’s warmth, the views, and everything waiting to be explored, it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.