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Punakaiki is a popular tourist attraction as a result of it's proximity to the New Zealand icon of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The iconic symbol is located just south, within a 5-10 minute walk from Coast Road State Highway 6.
To the east of the rocky coast is the Paparoa National Park and the southern part of the Paparoa Ranges, which provide opportunities for exploration and adventure by horse, by foot, by climbing, by canoe and by caving. The area also boasts gemstones and the world's only Westland Petrel breeding colony.
The coast, which includes the Fox River and the settlements of Tirimoana, Pahautune, Te Miko, Punakaiki and Barrytown, has a strong arts and crafts culture. Of note is the cooperative Punakaiki Crafts gallery, the Te Miko Glass Bead Studio and Tirimoana's Seal Island Studio of glass crafts.
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