Punakaiki River

The Punakaiki River is a river of the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island. It flows predominantly northwest from its sources in the Paparoa Range, reaching the Tasman Sea two kilometres south of the town of Punakaiki. Most of the river's length is within Paparoa National Park.

Punakaiki River
Punakaiki River near Punakaiki
Route of the Punakaiki River
Mouth of the Punakaiki River Punakaiki River (New Zealand)
Location
Country	New Zealand
Region	West Coast
District	Buller
Physical characteristics
Source	Paparoa Range
• coordinates	42°14′29″S 171°25′29″E
Mouth	Tasman Sea
• coordinates	42°07′23″S 171°19′50″E
Length	21 kilometres (13 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Punakaiki River → Tasman Sea
Tributaries
• left	Gorge Creek

Recreation

Swimmers diving off the Punakaiki River bridge in 1973

The Inland Pack Track and the Paparoa Track both commence from the south bank of the river at Waipori Road, where there is a suspension bridge across the river. The section of the trail from the Punakaiki River to the Pororari River is dual-use – shared between walkers and mountain bikers, and serves as the northern entry or exit point of the Paparoa Track.

See also

• List of rivers of New Zealand

External links

Media related to Punakaiki River at Wikimedia Commons

• Punakaiki River at NZ Gazetteer