Punakaiki Beach Camp
Reviews
Punakaiki Beach Camp has selected this customer review to be pinned to the top of this page.
This review was selected by Jed Findlay of Punakaiki Beach Camp on Fri 04 Dec, 2015.
Janelle Sterling
Ranking: 10/10
Beauty spot! Good clean bathrooms and kitchen, nice spots to pitch tents that are sheltered from wind. Within walking distance to Pancake Rocks and other activities. Great value, would stay here again and again!
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
HI Janelle, thanks heaps for your review! We are glad you enjoyed your stay! Will see you next time.
Beth
Ranking: 10/10
Great spot handy to local bike and walking tracks. We rode in the Paparoa Track on the bikes for the morning before continuing on our journey North. Great track and worth spending a couple of hours exploring at least. Awesome food truck on the campsite selling Whitebait patties and coffee, short walk to the beach. Quiet campsite with great views of the pancake rock cliffs, would stay again.
Emma
Ranking: 8/10
Great place! Loved the area and Debbie was lovely when we checked in. The facilities were clean and fantastic, the showers were really lovely. Our site happened to have a picnic table next to it which was ideal for cooking and coffee in the morning (before the great one we got from the cart on the way out). My only downfall would be getting rushed at by a dog who resided by the car park to the walking track, while a bit scary at the time it wouldn’t stop us from staying again!!
Gary Clarkson
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful spot despite the Wild West coast weather. Awesome showers and toilets. Nice friendly staff. Would recommend
Ying
Ranking: 9/10
We stayed a few nights here and really enjoyed it. Great location by the river and walking distance to the rocks, cave and beach. The kitchen was a bit cramped + and some of the elements didn't work well so cooking dinner took a bit of patience. But the facilities were clean and tidy and having a dry room to dry out our wet clothes was a nice bonus.
Dan
Ranking: 8/10
Pros-amazing location
Beautiful grounds
Right on the beach
Friendly staffCons- no hand wash in bathroom on both nights (not on especially with covid around)
A leaking urinal that flooded the bathroom floor. I know it happens but it took a while before they cleaned the floor. Glad I had shoes on. Those were my only qualms. Would stay again.
Gemma
Ranking: 10/10
Friendly staff who recommended some local walks nearby. Bathroom facilities really clean with free hot showers (press button to keep water going). Short drive (or walk) to Pancake Rocks which are must see in Punakaiki.
Felipe
Ranking: 10/10
Nothing to complain really, complete kitchen, warm and great showers, great wifi, steps away from the beach and a good pub next door. All that really close to Punakaiki, hikes, river kayaking, etc
Sarah and Pete
Ranking: 8/10
Helpful location for the pancake rocks (a walk away). Close to the beach. Spectacular section of coast with impressive sea and backdrop of hills and forest. Good, clean facilities including cooking and eating area. Our non powered site was grassed with plenty of space. Lulled to sleep by sound of waves.
Pateke
Ranking: 10/10
An absolutely stunning spot near the beach and river with fantastic views of the cliffs. The facilities are a bit old, but obviously well looked after and kept nice and clean. A wonderful spot to relax in. WiFi is only available from the kitchen area if that's something you want.
Lukas
Ranking: 8/10
Its nice when you want to stay close to pencake rocks. Its packed with people and the facilities are slightly to small. Taking this into account the facilities are fairly clean.
Mrs Lounis
Ranking: 9/10
We unfortunately had pooring rain so did not spend a lot of time here. Very clean and good facilities. Right on the beach that you hear during the night! Amazing! Good big camper spots! Best camp spot on the west coast drive
Blu Ice
Ranking: 9/10
We loved this place so much we stayed a couple of nights. The staff were friendly and busy keeping the campground in top order. Has a lovely beach, great views of cliffs, walks. The showers are great and the cooking area good. I'd go back to this one.
Fred
Ranking: 10/10
Visited Nov 19 - $44 for two people on a powered site.
Fantastic location. The beach is meters away and there are great views of the hills.
Showers are hot and free.
Punakaiki Tavern is a minutes walk away if you want a drink or something to eat.
Very short drive to the amazing Pancake Rocks.
Wifi not brilliant for us but that might be just the site we were on
Cass
Ranking: 8/10
Totally agree with Lia previous review - thanks as it helped when we were looking around. This one is worth staying for location to the fabulous west coast and the amazing pancake rocks up the road. Wifi is abit hit and miss but site 21/1/2 seem better (we were in 2) not very level sites thou for a camper. Tavern just on the corner was fabulous for a drink, back garden area, game of pool and they do take away alcohol sales
ScoutnIndi
Ranking: 8/10
This caravan park is located on the outskirts of Punakaiki, within walking distance of the Tavern. The laundry facilities were good, the bathrooms were clean with plenty of hot water for the showers. It was possibly a little overpriced for the low season, but we were happy. Nice, big campground with powered or unpowered sites.
Lia
Ranking: 8/10
Lovely location right by the beach. $44 for powered site for 2 people. Bit blustery when we were there but it is early September! Powered camper pitches right by the tree line to the beach.
Free hot showers, they do go off every 20-30 seconds but you can just hit the button as many times as you need. Reading previous reviews; yes the actual toilet area has no outer door but the toilet stalls and the shower stalls each have individual doors.
Kitchen is a good setup and the picnic tables and odd sofas are nice outside.
WiFi actually worked perfectly for both of us in the camper itself and we were parked by the beach in spot number 1, might have been a coincidence as it’s off season and only 4 other campers here, but fine by us!
Overall great little campsite to break up the journey down the west coast.
Klaus
Ranking: 8/10
Schöner, direkt am Meer gelegener Platz. 22$/Person mit Strom.
Großzügige Plätze, Duschen und WCs top. Schöne Wanderungen ab dem Platz möglich
Luci
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing views from the peaks and close to the beach for a nice sunset.
The internet wasn't working really well.
Heather Abbott
Ranking: 8/10
We really enjoyed this spot/location to campervan. Spaces are fairly large and the backdrop of the mountains with beach front access is great. The facilities aren't the cleanest (not dirty but not pristine) but it is right on the beach so sand is bound to get in. It felt much more like camping than some of the holiday parks which was more of the appeal to us. Showers included, you have to keep pushing the shower button but no fee so that's a plus. WiFi wasn't great but worked well around the kitchen/lounge area.
Francois & Caroline
Ranking: 8/10
Very nice campground close to the beach, perfect to enjoy the sunset.
Nice facilities but definitely not enough showers when peak season!
Katey
Ranking: 8/10
Great campsite. Family friendly and excellent kitchen facilities. Good communal tables near the kitchen to share adventures but not noisy at night. Perfect location near the beach and various walking tracks and the river kayaks. Not enough showers for the size but overall really good.
Juraj
Ranking: 10/10
One of the best camping locations I've stayed in NZ, stunning views on the cliffs, great beach and all the attractions very close. Unlimited wifi, clean facilities, all was really good.
Vincent
Ranking: 8/10
Nice place with everything you need, not much choice here anyway. The place was full so you might need to book.
Rick
Ranking: 7/10
Awesome spot. Nice and clean. Wasnt crowded at all. The only negative was the price being $92 for a family of 6 in a motorhome!
Marilli
Ranking: 10/10
Enough space. Free hot showers and the bathroom is not open air, don’t know why somebody wrote that...
Clean bathroom and kitchen.
Walking distance to pancake rocks.
Free wifi and again, I don’t know why someone said it’s not working because in the right spots it is working ;)
CJC
Ranking: 10/10
This camp on the beach has a very laid back vibe. Peaceful and set amongst trees. Good facilities and literally a 2 minute walk to watch the sun set on the beach
ian kennedy
Ranking: 8/10
Location of this campsite is just amazing, right on the beach or as near as you can get! Facilities are a little dated but perfectly fine. Showers were fine although you had to constantly push the button to keep the water on and my wife had a luke warm shower, mine was fine😀. Located a few minutes drive from the Pancake rocks and blowholes which are just amazing. Within walking distance is a pub/bar that sells food that was quite good.
Libby
Ranking: 8/10
Great facilities and good spot to eat outside under cover. Lovely spot by the beach with a terrific view of the mountains behind. Easy access to Pancake Rocks, Truman Track and the Pororari River track. This is such a gorgeous town on the coast!
Milo Sumner
Ranking: 5/10
Facilities, pricing and location are as described in other reviews. WiFi simply doesn't work however, I specifically asked if it was working when I checked in and the member of staff brushed my question away with a "fine". Frustratingly this was not the case. Tried all over the campsite using multiple devices with zero success. Very annoying given that was the only reason we paid and didn't just freedom camp.
Matthew Dercole
Ranking: 8/10
Camp is nicely laid out with lots of space and privacy. Beautiful beach is steps away. Only 3 showers, so a bit inadequate for the size of this very large campground. WiFi is largely unusable, so don’t count on it. Stainless steel kitchen is spacious.
CARMERS
Ranking: 6/10
A little bit dated and quite wet during the wet season. I also didn't like how the campground was barely lit at all at night. The kitchen facilities seemed clean, and the bathrooms were generally okay. Mostly everything is open air (bathrooms, laundry) which is probably ideal in the summer but a little bit cold in September. Probably would try some place different next time.
Veronica Marcano
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic spot! Stayed for 2 nights in early March and it was not busy. Good cooking facilities although the hobs are a little old and therefore a bit tricky to work out sometimes. Did not see queues for the showers or toilets but can see it happening when it is busy. Having said that, we totally recommend this site! At the time of writing this review it is the best site we have stayed in so far. The pub nearby is very nice also and there is a lot to see around the camp.
Punakaiki Beach Camp is open for business… Visit Website …now's your chance to take a closer look.
Christian Oerlemans
Ranking: 6/10
Cramped ground, not very clear where your spot is, overpriced because of location at the beach, kitchen and bathrooms where okay.
Edward Cromwell
Ranking: 7/10
Nice little campsite, all amenities available - kitchen, showers etc. Good spot next to the beach. Kitchen was a little basic with no pots and pans. Tent spots were a little exposed.
Chris & Peg
Ranking: 8/10
Nice and green campground with plants between the sides. Good facilities, Feel free to use.no extra costs for e.g. BBQ, cooking or hot showers. Also wifi included. Recommendable!
Gillian Press
Ranking: 6/10
Great spot right on the beach but queues at the toilet and shower block were long....probably need more showers. Make sure you put on your repellant as sand flies are many!!
Edwin Bos
Ranking: 8/10
Good spot at the beach near the pancake rocks. We used it as a real stopover from Abel Tasman to Fox Glacier and it was perfect for that. Good and clean bathrooms and kitchen.
Wen Xin Tan
Ranking: 9/10
Arrived after hours. Amazing kitchen facilities and decent showers, just require constant tapping on the button for continuous shower. Complimentary hi-speed wifi. Nice mountain and beach view in the morning. Paid $40 for 2 pax for a powered site. Site is huge and spacious. Very nice stay. $4 for washer, $5 for dryer (or the other way round)
Jason
Ranking: 10/10
This camp is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Coast, the back drop of cliffs and bluffs behind the camp is amazing. The camp itself is nicely laid out and kitchen, showers etc are spotless, we stayed in a cabin and they are incredibly warm. It's an easy stroll to the lovely beach. you just have to watch a sunset from here, camp costs are cheap as chips and the camp owners are really friendly.....we will be back to explore more of this interesting area very soon.
Van Bagley
Ranking: 10/10
Nice people, good campground, great tramping trails, well marked.
Ina and Max
Ranking: 7/10
Was quite expensive ($17). A lot of showers and many cooking places but not that clean. Close to the Pancake Rocks and beach access.
Fifi and Jay
Ranking: 8/10
Office was not opened so we just set up camp in a spot. Really wanted to use the wifi but the manager didn't get in till late afternoon. Manager was very friendly and helpful with what to see and do around the area and this holiday park is situated right by a beautiful beach. Facilities were good, although hot water from the kitchen zip didn't heat up as much as it should've. Lots of elements for cooking. Showers were high pressured but you have to keep pushing a button to keep water flowing. and toilets were clean. Paid $17pp. I eventually paid for wifi but it wasn't good at all and hardly ever connected. I would still recommend this place and stay again.
Roger
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely site in a super position. Good facilities, although wifi can be a struggle.
(Not so keen on the pub next door with its large TV but a $3 charge for any wifi.)
Grace White
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful location, stunning west coast sunsets off the beach. Good clean facilities, although you have to hit the tap every 20-30 seconds to get water for your shower which is quite annoying.
Very quiet in early April. Pretty far from any town, but not a problem if you are prepared.
Nienke Best
Ranking: 8/10
This would be a 10 if the showers are better. The temperature is not constant. And there is way too much power. Not nice if you have a toddler with you. The toilets (m) smell a bit bad. Maybe new toilet seats will help? They are more yellow than white.
The location is great. And the campsite itself is great too. Spacious sites and a lot of grass. We would stay here again!
Julia Kurtz
Ranking: 8/10
We stayed one night and it was very nice. Cool location on the beach and very close to Pancake Rocks. We walked there in about 20 min. Cool cave on the way on the other side of the. Road. Free hot showers and very clean. Very nice reception. Only thing is that free WiFi refers to two times 30 min only. After that it is charged. Would definitely stay here again. Enjoyed the ocean sounds during the evening a lot!
Jack Clise
Ranking: 9/10
One of my favourite places in all of the South Island. Nice pub within walking distance. The bush and beach around here are simply stunning. Plan on two nights and do some of the walks in the area.
Marc Lambert
Ranking: 9/10
On the beach campsite with lots of room and sheltering trees. Showers and kitchen awesome.
Catherine Kay
Ranking: 9/10
Stayed here on New Year's Eve. Good facilities, nice kitchen and BBQ area etc. Great little camping spot too, all separate areas so there aren't too many people in one place. Only downside was the noise from the party that went on until 5am, but I'm assuming this was a one off!
Shelly Stanchuk
Ranking: 9/10
What a stunning spot! Close to a lovely loop trail about 3 hrs. long, and walking distance to the pancake rocks and blowholes, plus a small cave on the way. All amenities and grounds were well kept. Would have been a 10 rating, but the wifi was painfully slow and patchy, so if you require Internet for work like I did, maybe take the day off.
S Webb
Ranking: 10/10
We loved the close proximity to the beach, right next to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The facilities are good, the bathrooms clean. Nice covered al fresco dining area with beautiful birds, including Tui and Wekas!
Aidan Byrne
Ranking: 9/10
Nice spot close to the beach, can hear the water at night! Friendly staff. Free wifi (100mb/day), $5 for unlimited.
Kim Donze
Ranking: 8/10
Lovely campsite on the edge of the beach. Very nice people in charge who were happy to advise on places to go/walks etc. Facilities clean and showers were free but push button and low so had to crouch to wash hair and keep pressing button. Just a little bit awkward that's all but only minor criticism. Close to pancake rocks and blow holes. Pub up the road with a pool table. Would definitely visit again!
Pamela Hoffman
Ranking: 7/10
Great location for seeing the Pancake rocks - just a 10-15 minute walk. We were here in April and it was very open camping but even at peak, it seems like it would not feel over crowded. Facilities were a bit outdated and could use updated. Went to office about questions a few times but they were not usually there.
Howard Kestrel
Ranking: 7/10
Nice spot, though a bit expensive. Quick (30sec) walk to the beach through trees (do obscure view from campsite). Hot showers, require push button every 20-30 seconds or flow stops. A bit of a wait for showers during prime times (i.e morning and evening). "Free" wifi is a 30 minute period of unlimited (slow) download. Paid $20 per person for a powered site.
Rachel Denham
Ranking: 8/10
Great location for the Pancake Rocks, nice spacious layout with good toilets and nice hot showers. Right on beach to watch the sunset. Fairly expensive for a campsite but for the facilities it's ok
Ann-Catherine Deblon
Ranking: 8/10
We stayed at Punakaiki for one night on 02.02.2016. Nice campground, the sites are separated by trees and hedges, direct access to the beach, walking distance to the pancake rocks, walking tracks for short and half day walks close by.
The facilities were clean and as it wasn't crowded the number of toilets and showers was sufficient.
bzh974
Ranking: 9/10
Camping très bien situé près de la plage et non loin de pancake rock. Commodités appréciables.
Douches, toilettes et cuisines propres.
Tarif des machines a lavées correctes par rapport à d'autres camping.
Rachel Macdonald
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot, friendly staff. Beautiful place to watch the sun set. We spent one night here. No BBQs which we thought was a bit strange. We went canoeing down the river (hired canoes from a great place near the bridge). Punakaiki River is just stunning.
Richard Kirby
Ranking: 9/10
Great location just 700 metres from the rocks, right on the beach so the sunset can be seen easily. We had great weather which always helps. Site well maintained with good facilities. However, the only gripe is that there are very few showers for the number of people who are on site. Big queues this morning for them!
Wout van Dijk
Ranking: 8/10
Great campsite near the pancake rocks. The kitchen was a bit small, showers were good. The field was a bit wet, but we arrived after a day of rain. Price was ok and the host was friendly.
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi, thanks for your review, glad you had a good hot shower! Thanks to the sun :)
Janelle Sterling
Ranking: 10/10
Beauty spot! Good clean bathrooms and kitchen, nice spots to pitch tents that are sheltered from wind. Within walking distance to Pancake Rocks and other activities. Great value, would stay here again and again!
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
HI Janelle, thanks heaps for your review! We are glad you enjoyed your stay! Will see you next time.
Steve Warren
Ranking: 9/10
Great place to stay, close to the pancake rocks. There are plenty of places to stay when not self contained Steffen,
they are all over NZ, camp grounds. 100% Pure NZ
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi there! Thanks for your review! Enjoy the rest of your trip, keeping NZ 100% PURE :D
Yvonne Wu
Ranking: 8/10
The host is very friendly. The kitchen is clean and there dining area is warm in May. However, the shower room is very very cold.
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Steffen Paul
Ranking: 6/10
Stayed here because rangers check the self-contained camping. Nothing special, not the best showers but kitchen is okay. Only place to stay when not self-contained.
Larry Dashiell
Ranking: 9/10
The camp was clean and neat. The showers had plenty of hot water. They had 2 washers, one dryer, and two close lines. They could use another dryer that worked better than the existing one. The owner ask how the laundry was going, I said it was slow and he put in an extra token to the two I had put in., Good on him
Alistair Millward
Ranking: 7/10
Brilliant location, right by the beach and a short walk to the pancake rocks. Facilities adequate. $17 for one cyclist.
Robert Warner
Ranking: 8/10
First of all, our camp hostess was very nice, and responsive. I think she was still working the office until after 10PM.
My wife would give the campground a 9, but I'd give it a 7 just because of the congestion around the common areas. Fairly crowded for me, but my wife took an early shower, and barely rubbed elbows with anyone.
The kitchen and bathrooms were very crowded, and people were lined up waiting to cook, wash dishes, dry clothes, etc. Kind of a typical large campground.
Still, we had a nice powered RV site backed up to the foliage fronting the beach. No view, but we could hear the ocean. And we had very nice neighbors.
Wilma Senior
Ranking: 9/10
Spacious grassy pitches, some with shade , set around the facilities in the centre of the campground. Very good toilets, showers, kitchen and laundry facilities. Limited wi-fi time.
Campground ideally situated for Pancake Rocks (15 minute walk away). There's also a nearby tavern which provided good meals.
Kris Marinomunn
Ranking: 9/10
Large facility with a path right to the beach. Friendly staff and a fun environment. Wish I would have stayed more than one night.
Sebastiaan Kemperman
Ranking: 9/10
Stunning views and right at the beach. Quite big, but still feels cosy. Nice swimming in the river a bit down the road.
Melvin Spear
Ranking: 8/10
We loved this quiet beachside site just off SH6 north of the Pancake Rocks. Pitches are a bit vague, but hey, we managed!!
Florian Kleemann
Ranking: 8/10
Great location right by the beach, short walk to tavern if you like and Porariki river trail. Nice reception, warm showers and 30 mins of wifi included, all at a reasonable price. Facilities not new and a bit cold as no proper door, yet all in all a clear "will be back"
Hol. M.
Ranking: 8/10
Nice campground directly at the beach of Punakaiki. Great location, quite spacious campsites for motorhomes. Friendly, older washing facilities, could be a little bit cleaner, but ok!
Stefanie Vogt
Ranking: 10/10
We loved this spot!! We are 28y and travelling with a 9 month old. The view from the campsite is spectacular and there is direct access to the beach. The tavern right in front of the camp has a lovely garden with very tasty food and a great view, as well.
There is a drying room with an oven. Great after a rainy day. Extra bathroom to shower the baby. Be aware of the painful sandflies!
Lisa Quayle
Ranking: 8/10
A lot of sandflies, and a bit windy. Price was a bit expensive for a non powered tent site, however it was close to the beach and the pancake rocks and they told us about the best time to see them which was very good. Facilities were fine and free showers with a push button to keep the water going.
Jay
Ranking: 9/10
I really loved this place. Dramatic setting right on the beach and river with superlative scenery. Facilities were fine, not exceptional but very adequate. There's a tavern next to the place which is a welcome site. Food most just fair but the beer on tap was cold. For those looking for a great camping experience with amenities in a really stunning place, this is it!
Claudia
Ranking: 10/10
Really really nice campground with clean showers and kitchen. 32$ non powered. Pancake rocks and Truman walk are very close
Philip Schumann
Ranking: 10/10
$36 for a powered site. Beautiful setting, friendly owners, clean facilities, poor cellphone coverage (good in front of visitor centre). Would definitely stay here again.
Kane F
Ranking: 8/10
Good location and pub next door very nice! Showers very dissapointin.. have to press button every 20 seconds to keep water running. And took a while to find office as its across the road from the park.
Hubertus Thost
Ranking: 10/10
Clean place.
Laura Metz
Ranking: 9/10
Next to a beautiful beach, awesome sundown!
David Spindler
Ranking: 7/10
This is a lovely green site, just a short walk though the bushes to the beach. Incredible scenery with mountains and beautiful beaches. Facilities a little rustic but the showers were hot and free. Food at the pub OK but not very imaginative. A short drive to Pancake rocks well worth seeing one hour either side of high tide.
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi David, glad you enjoyed not paying extra for showers! We believe it should all be part of the package!!
Regards
Jed
Walter Neff
Ranking: 8/10
Stayed one night in a campervan.
Pros - Informal layout, lots of wee nooks and crannies
15min walk up the hill to Pancake Rocks
Pub nearby for food
Friendly welcomeCons - None worth mentioning
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi Craig,
Thanks for your review, classic kiwi campgrounds are great for 'wee nooks and crannies'.
We are glad you enjoyed your stay,Regards
Jed
G Ballard
Ranking: 6/10
Campground ok but not fantastic, no drinking water in the kitchen!
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi there G Ballard, Thanks for taking the time to make a review.
During this time the council advised us to inforce a boil water notice just as a precautionary measure as maintanance was taking place. We are sorry for the inconvenience this caused you.
Hope you enjoyed your travels
Regards
Jed
Brita Topp
Ranking: 10/10
Set in a lovely green site with grassy ground and plenty of bush and plants, beach access, close to spectacular Pancake Rocks (nice walk along the beach). Only the sound of waves and gulls.... Well maintained, amenities good. Very friendly and resourceful manager lady.
Andrew Young
Ranking: 7/10
Informally laid out with power sites but no source of drinkable water for topping up camper vans. Warned water needs to be boiled before drinking.
Our experience marred by misbehaviour from members of a group in a Flying Kiwi bus. They did eventually stop when we warned that we would lodge a formal complaint if they continued.
Handy walking distance from the pancake rocks (about a 20-25 minute walk) but otherwise unexceptional.
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi there Aitku.
Thank you for taking the time to make a review. We are sorry to hear you could not find our water stations in the camping area, they are located under each 'plug-in' box for the campervans.
Water quality wise, around this time the local council had advised us to boil drinking water as a precautionary measure due to the UV treatment system being damaged during heavy rainfall. We have been advised this will be fixed soon.
It is rare for the Flying kiwi tour to make excessive noise however we have spoken to the bus company. They have apologized for this certain night and assured us noise will be kept to an acceptable level in the future.
Regards
Jed
Jason MacLeod
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome spot! Right on the ocean with a tavern near by. Great walks up the beach or to Punakaiki Rocks themselves, lots of other walks/tramps to do.
SC W
Ranking: 8/10
Nice location, walking distant to beach which is a nice place to view sunset. Good facilities. It was quite crowded during our visit in March as there are St John camp with around 60 children. Helpful and informative staff.
Julia Kallenbach
Ranking: 9/10
Beautifully situated directly to the beach, clean, could have more showers.
Andrew Cattanach
Ranking: 6/10
Reasonably priced for the facilities on offer. Well located and maintained. Not overly crowded (we were there mid January).
Given the number of sites, the Laundry facilities (x1 washing machine and x1 dryer) weren't enough but the heated drying room is a nice touch for those in tents or without much space.
Our powered site was on a slight slope so levelling the motor home was an issue.
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi Andrew.
We are sorry you were unable to locate the two washing machines next to each other, the drying room is heated up to make room for high demand.
We apologise there was no space in the dryer and drying room.Being not overcrowded im sure there was another space we could have found if yours had a 'slight slope'.
Regards
Jed
Helene & Peter
Ranking: 8/10
Be aware of sand flies all over the West coast...
Toilets, showers and kitchen available, clean and high capacity. Relatively cheap laundry possibilities with drying room.
Easy accessible dump station.
The pancake rocks are of course a nearby must see, take the tide into account and hope for windy weather!
Jay Sorrell
Ranking: 8/10
Nice spot, we found both the owners friendly. Make sure you sit on the beach at sunset. Food at pub was also very good.
Steve Warren
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent place, clean- tidy, nice couple running it. Walked to Pancake Rocks. No many there October, well set out. Great washing room.
Marina Ryan
Ranking: 8/10
Thankfully the Beach Camp has new managers
from 16th November. This is a great little camp by the sea and it will be a great asset to the Punakaiki area once it is running well.
Glenn Surzur
Ranking: 4/10
It is a nice place but the manager is not nice and the kitchen closes at 9pm.
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi there Glenn. We are just writing to let you know as of November 2013 the Punakaiki Beach Camp is under new management. Cheers
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Azteca
Ranking: 6/10
Fair camp with satisfactory facilities. Adjacent to beach and has excellent access for walks. Close enough to Pancake Rocks to arrange visit to blowholes to coincide with high tides.
Maria
Ranking: 8/10
Good place, nice view. Very clean kitchen - closes at 9.30pm though. $16PP.
Michelle Chambers
Ranking: 6/10
Lovely campsite within walking distance of Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The grassy spaces are nice and even when full it doesn't feel crowded. nice access to a great walking beach. Lots of rules -- the owners are a bit stand offish and only are friendly when they're in the mood. The shower experience was really unpleasant -- you had to keep pushing the faucet to keep the water running. It felt like an unnecessary money saving device, although the rental cost for the site was pretty low.
electronmike1970
Ranking: 10/10
My son Dominic burnt his foot by standing on hidden hot coals on the beach. The camp owners were brilliant and helped get him hellicoptered to Greymouth. They cleared a path, they helped in every way, and even refunded us our money before we drove off following the hellicopter. Thanks to everyone in the camp that helped. We did continue on our trip and Dominic even managed the Waitomo caves and Hobiton. Everyone in NZ was fantastic. His foot is healing well now and he should finally be able to swim again next week. Great camp site anyway, but beware the hidden dangers.
Ingrid
Ranking: 9/10
Helpful service for disabled traveller, great location on the beach.
Steven Switsers
Ranking: 8/10
Excellent location, beautiful sunset, lots of space.
D Pieter
Ranking: 7/10
Location was OK, clean showers.
Tom and Jemima Rawlings
Ranking: 6/10
Good location and pub next door. A bit brash not letting us dry our clothes as it would take it to half an hour past checkout time!
Roeland Driessen
Ranking: 1/10
Never had such an expierence, escpecially not in New Zealand. We called the campsite and we got a friendly message saying that they will call us back. They didn't, so we just went there. When asking for a site they already started to fill in a sheet, while we were asking to have a look at the campsite before deciding to stay. This was impossible and if we want to have a look and in the meanwhile somebody else would call the site was gone. We wanted to argue this but they, especially the mail owner, where very agressive and they stopped talking with us. We first thought that this all was a misunderstanding and we had a look to the site and came back, but they were still very agrressive and the site was now 5 min later) fully booked. The weirdest expierence ever and I wouldn't recommned this site at all!
Punakaiki Beach Camp responds:
Hi Roeland. Just responding to say that from November 2013 the Punakaiki Beach Camp is under new management. Cheers
Charliepot
Ranking: 7/10
Clean facilities, quiet and well maintained. The owners are lovely but perhaps a little militant... the kitchen closes at 10pm on the dot.. so don't leave anything in the fridge that you might want later.
Jurgen Joyce
Ranking: 8/10
Great location next to the beach. Nice hikes in the neighbourhood.
M Robinson
Ranking: 10/10
Clean, well maintained, great location next to the beach.
suemax
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely grassed camping area with amazing beach on your doorstep. as others have said, the facilities are a little tired, but we enjoyed our stay and it was not expensive
MeganG
Ranking: 8/10
15 min walk to pancake rock. Beautiful beachfront campervan powered sites. Decent restaurant 5 min away. Very scenic.
Hot showers, easy dumpsite.
Filsack
Ranking: 9/10
Between the beach and the bush. Clean facilities.
Inge Davbbert
Ranking: 10/10
Next to the beach, facilities are good, big sites for the campervan.
Melanie Mathiak
Ranking: 10/10
Because of the wonderful place and direct connection to the gorgeous beach we give 10 points. The sanitary facilities/kitchen are worth 8 points. Cheap!!
Katrin
Ranking: 10/10
Location is great!! The sanitary block is too small and too old.
amounstephen
Ranking: 7/10
Generally pretty good and the location speaks for itself. Facilities a little tired, and the provision of washing machines isn't really enough to meet demand.
tiffgeoff
Ranking: 1/10
Was shocked at how filthy. The windows hadn't been cleaned for 5 years, at least. The bedding was worse than what I imagine a prison bed, about a two inch mattress, with a plastic cover, covered with blood stains. Luckily the weather was fine, as we couldn't even eat inside the room it was so disgusting. Complained to management as we left, and she went on to tell me about adults wetting the beds, and it wasn't her fault, YUCK!
Kasten Madsen
Ranking: 8/10
Very helpful staff.
Jolene & James
Ranking: 9/10
We have stayed here plenty of times as it is close to home, great location and swimming hole and walks.
Sarah Graham
Ranking: 8/10
What an amazing beach, a two seond walk down and the sunset was out of this world. Facilities good, shower rooms a bit cold but clean and tidy.
mawueth
Ranking: 9/10
We really like it there as well as the camp ground itself has a good landscape layout.
Really great facility, clean, friendly staff.
Downside: 15.50$ per person for a nonpowered tentsite.
AJ van Pelt
Ranking: 10/10
Nice little campsite, good facilities, beautiful location near the sea.
Van den Borne
Ranking: 8/10
Awesome location, clean amenities, big campsites.
Jane Cullum
Ranking: 10/10
Very nice quiet site, lovely grounds, cabins and tent sites available. Need to bring own cooking equipment/plates etc.
Bette Eh
Ranking: 10/10
The prettiest location ever and only 4-5 other vans and tents there. Clean as can be with wonderful scenery and amazment at having such a place to be.
Margit and Corein Groenevelt
Ranking: 8/10
Lovely spot with good and clean facilities.
K & J Overton
Ranking: 9/10
Stunning location, great scenery, excellent facilities, clean and quiet.
Oppenoorth
Ranking: 9/10
Natural environment near beach out of town/village, quiet.
Wayne Forrow
Ranking: 3/10
Staff looked straight through us. Washing machine and dryer only one of, both didn't work correctly, left before sunset due to frustration.
Punakaiki Beach Camp is open for business… Visit Website …now's your chance to take a closer look.
Simon Vickers
Ranking: 9/10
Very friendly owners. Large pitches, (not crammed in). Local walks. Very near to beach. Clean facilties, well equipped kitchen.
Rachel Gerrand
Ranking: 8/10
Still a bit commercial, but much more spacious plots and great access to beach. Ideally come early to mid Jan when trees are in blossom, (particularly the Pohutakawa - my favourite!).
Eva Bock
Ranking: 9/10
Very nice location.
Petra Lehmann
Ranking: 10/10
Close to the pancake rocks and at the beach, a well maintained camp in a spectacular location.
Kasten
Ranking: 10/10
It was well looked after. Near the beach. A wonderful panorama, good atmosphere.
Ini & Cees
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful, big campground with lots of space and the roaring of the Tasman Sea (5 min away on foot!). 20 min walk to Pancakes and Blowholes.
Axel Vetter
Ranking: 8/10
Nice place, clean.
Grumbach
Ranking: 10/10
Nice little camping ground, very close to a beautiful 'West Coast beach', you can enjoy the sun going down in the evening. Very friendly owners.
Niels Van Welsenes
Ranking: 8/10
Beach in 10 metres.
Mike and Alice Powner
Ranking: 5/10
50cents not required for hot water in the showers!! Very unfriendly and unhelpful at reception on first night in a campervan. Unwilling to help with questions about the practicalities of managing the campervan.
Benedict Fluthman
Ranking: 4/10
Checkout time very strict (showers and kitchen closed at 10pm) kitchen was not nice.
paulag
Ranking: 10/10
Right by the beach and very quiet.
Yvonne German
Ranking: 10/10
DOC - campground with toilets amazing views + nice beach ($6 per site)
Kim Holtz
Ranking: 8/10
Great, right on beach! Close to everything. Sat on beach for afternoon, dinner at pub.
Dale W
Ranking: 7/10
Clean and pleasant facilities
Brigitta Reil
Ranking: 9/10
Not enough space between the vans, no grass. Nothing works or hardly works in the kitchen. Toilets not always clean. Too expensive for what it offers.
Chris Helms
Ranking: 8/10
Very clean.
Bert Meuleuorijks
Ranking: 9/10
Very beautiful location.
MarkP
Ranking: 8/10
Nice location
HermannR
Ranking: 10/10
Well organised, great location next to the sea.
Christian Moll
Ranking: 6/10
2 min walk to beach, great sun downs, friendly staff
Ferth
Ranking: 8/10
Close to beach, good camp ground. Lots of rain.
Dick Rosman
Ranking: 8/10
The campsite was lovely, nicely landscaped and facilities clean! Nice spacy plots.
Thomas Stopp
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful location, close to the beach and 1 km to the pancake rocks. Recommended activity: Porari River Track
Susan Hitchins
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent. Manager unhelpful when we tried to book an extra night though.
mariak
Ranking: 8/10
Right on the beach. Spacious sites and good kitchen.
catdonjaime
Ranking: 6/10
The owners were none to friendly and though the grounds and location are nice, it was a tad crowded. Tons of sandlfies too!
Evan
Ranking: 10/10
DOC campsite - Facilities are a bit old but it's small and wonderfully located right on the beachfront.
ginekek
Ranking: 9/10
Very complete campground with large campground spots.
tessac
Ranking: 5/10
Clean and nice facilities. Strict rules which made us feel a little uncomfortable. Aside from walking on eggshells the place was fine.
UlaR
Ranking: 9/10
Good camp, powered, at the beach site.
TillE412
Ranking: 10/10
Beach & mountains around you - a fabulous place.