Road Trip Destinations: Greymouth to Punakaiki
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By Ben Selby
The South Island’s West Coast. Its natural beauty and untamed power have captivated not only the locals, but also many a traveler over the decades. With a community rich in gold mining and geology, it really is a rugged and majestic wonderland. It is also a great place to enjoy a peaceful drive in a classic car.
While there are many sections of “the coast” which would offer such driving enjoyment, one in particular day trip is the run from Greymouth to Punakaiki. At only 46km, you can do the run in around 40 minutes or so. Therefore, you are able to enjoy a quick jaunt along the West Coast and have plenty of time to soak up the sights and attractions. The best of all being found in Punakaiki itself.
Anyway, the starting point is the centre of Greymouth, the largest township in Westland. Greymouth has a population of 8,300 and gets its name for being located at the mouth of the Grey River. The Grey River being named after the original Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey.
Heading north out of Greymouth, you turn left onto SH6 crossing the Grey River and through Coal Creek. From here you can start to take in the Westland greenery. Common along the route are the Nikau Palm Trees which are native to this part of New Zealand.
Before long you pass through the community of Runanga as you start to climb up the coast. Moments later, the sight of the Tasman Sea comes into view. Now you can enjoy all the views of our version of the West Coast Highway. The road snakes its way along the coast. To your left, the crash of the Tasman Sea breaking against the rocks, on your right, the intense greenery of Paparoa National Park, like something out of Jurassic Park.
After passing through Nine Mile, the road takes a sharp right away from the beach and into a gully. Here lovers of tarmac rally stages will find plenty to enjoy. However, it pays to take it easy as this road is often used by heavy duty traffic and other holiday makers.
Back onto the seaview, it isn’t long before you pass through the small community of Barrytown. Through Barrytown the road straightens out and you can put your classic into cruise mode and relax. Then the road begins to climb as the scenery becomes even more picturesque. Before you know it, you have arrived at Punakaiki.
Park up in the designated parking spot, you can wander into the local shop, grab and ice cream or a bite to eat. However, the main reason for coming to Punakaiki, is to view the simply stunning Pancake Rocks.
These unique layered rock formations can trace their origins back 30 million years ago. Fragments of dead marine life and plants fell to the sea floor. These fragments came together and became a solid layered mass thanks to immense pressure from the water. Over millions of years these gradually moved above the surface of the water thanks to countless earthquakes and other seismic activity.
The result is an incredible collection of shapes and cliff formations which you can enjoy through a 20-minute loop walk. There are also blowholes, which at high tide can make for some spectacular spray of water. It might be compelling to watch, but the savagery of this natural phenomenon cannot be under estimated, therefore do resist the urge to climb over the guard rail for a closer photo.
Punakaiki is one of the South Island’s greatest geographical treats. It also makes the perfect spot for classic car fans on the West Coast to enjoy time and time again.
