Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Punakaiki
About the Hotel
The Ocean View Retreat Punakaiki, formerly known as Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, is located on the wild West Coast of New Zealand, famous for its stunning Pancake Rocks and scenic landscapes. This beachfront hotel offers 63 premium guest rooms with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and lush rainforest. It serves as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park, a hub for trekking and adventure seekers.
Location
Situated between Greymouth and Westport, Punakaiki is accessible via State Highway 6, with shuttle services available from Greymouth. The hotel is positioned near walking trails like the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walkway, offering easy access to local attractions. The surrounding area is rich in opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the stunning landscapes.
Rooms
Guests can select from a variety of accommodation options, including Beach View Rooms with direct beach access and Deluxe Suites featuring ocean or rainforest views. Each room includes a luxurious Super King bed, en-suite bathroom, sitting area, and kitchenette. Many rooms offer private balconies, providing a perfect vantage point to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Eat & Drink
The Ocean View Restaurant and Bar serves a menu that highlights local ingredients, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With a focus on quality, the restaurant features dishes influenced by South American cuisine alongside classic West Coast fare. Guests can dine while enjoying sunsets over the Tasman Sea and picturesque views of the Punakaiki coastline.
Leisure & Business
The hotel provides amenities suitable for both leisure and business travelers, including an executive lounge, meeting spaces, and equipment for events. An e-bike rental service is available for those looking to explore the scenic tracks and natural beauty of the region. Additionally, common areas include warm and inviting spaces to relax by the open fireplace.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Security
- Baggage storage
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
I was delighted with the location of the hotel, offering a perfect setting to explore Punakaiki's attractions. The rooms provided a stunning view of the sea, spacious and modern, though a bit chilly upon arrival. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The dining experience, while a bit pricey for basic choices, offered a decent selection. Overall, a pleasant stay with great highlights and a few minor drawbacks.
The hotel is in an amazing location right by the beach, making it a perfect spot to visit. The rooms have balconies available upon request, and while they are comfortable, they could use some brightening up. The service is attentive and the host made us feel very welcome. The location is breathtaking with the sound of waves lulling you to sleep, right next to the famous Pancake Rocks. The dining options were a bit limited, but the overall experience was still enjoyable.
The hotel overlooks a small beach and ocean, offering nicely decorated rooms with comfortable beds. However, noise from the road could disrupt sleep, and access to the main building includes a steep ramp and steps. Great views make up for the traffic sounds.
The hotel offers a mix of pros and cons, with dark and aged rooms but likely budget-friendly. The service, although somewhat inexperienced, was helpful, courteous, and set in a lovely environment. The fantastic location overlooking the coast and near the famous Pancake Rocks is a standout feature, despite the distance to the main building. However, the dining experience has room for improvement, ranking poorly with issues like unanswered complaints about breakfast.
The hotel offers stunning ocean views from the restaurant but lacks some basic kitchen amenities. The internet comes at an extra cost, and laundry services are not complimentary. The location by the sea is breathtaking, with easy access to the beach and proximity to tourist spots like Pancake Rocks. The dining experience is overpriced for the quality offered.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms were very out-dated, and the location was amazing right above the beach, close to Pancake Rocks. The service was wonderful, but the dining options were limited during my stay.
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The location was superb, just a short walk to the pancake rocks and lovely cafes. However, the dining experience was a letdown with overpriced and bland food. Despite that, the hotel offers a beautiful setting to watch the waves while dining.