Immaculate Couples Retreat near Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, South Island

Paparoa National Park is a natural playground for all things outdoors. The walking alone is spectacular, but activities like kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, and more can also be found in the park. Westport is also a mecca for outdoor adventures. Kayaking, jet boating, caving, underground rafting, and white water rafting are but a few of the exciting opportunities here. For scenic exploration, the old coal towns, gold mining relics, forest hikes, and coastal walks are excellent and the seal colony nearby at Cape Foulwind allows visitors to see upwards of 100 fur seals depending on the season. Local arts and crafts are worth a look as well.

The Pancake Rocks, near Punakaiki, are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. The rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes. The best time to visit is at high tide. The Truman Track in Punakaiki is a nice, easy walk and will afford some of the most amazing surroundings.

To experience the flora and fauna in the area, the Pororari River Loop is a track that takes approximately three to four hours to complete and will offer good insight into the plants and creatures of the earth. The Fox River Caves and Ballroom Overhang are two other very scenic destinations.

For dining out in Punakaiki, there are three delicious options. The Pancake Rocks Café serves up their famous pancake stack as well as zesty stone oven pizzas, delectable cakes and pies, and tasty Hummingbird coffee roasted in Christchurch. There is also a retail store at the Cafe selling T-shirts, jewelry, and unique New Zealand gifts. Punakaiki Tavern is an inviting family restaurant with an indoor/outdoor bar and dining facilities, and Rusty Cup Mobile Cafe is a unique little trailer serving up some of the best coffee and local information around.