The Punakaiki Cavern is a Karst cave, formed with a combination of water and carbon dioxide, carving out the cave from the Oligocene limestone.

The Punakaiki cave also features glow worms and stalactites.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: West Coast of the South Island
  • Distance: 0.05 kms
  • Time needed: 1 minute
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: One Way
  • Elevation: 5m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes
  • Last Updated: November, 2019
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Summary points about this walk

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Points of interest along the walk​

Point 1: Punakaiki Caves Walk – start

Park the car on the right hand side of the road. The entrance is easy to find. You walk down in to the hidden rain forest. Then up the stair case to the entrance of the cave.

You need to make your way to the left there is a marker to follow.

Watch the slippery floor at the beginning.

Point 2: Punakaiki Caves

Walk around for 5 or 10min or more so long as you have a touch. These caves in Punakaiki are great.

Point 3: Punakaiki Caves – more photos

Just take your time and explore these great caves at Punakaiki

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