Day 4: Punakaiki and Hokitika

Why you should go: Stunning coastline and glow worms galore! The western part of the south island is like nothing I had ever seen before. Lush rainforests stretch from high above to the Tasman Sea below.

Driving aimlessly along Highway 6 and spontaneously stopping as you go is worth it in its own right, but this part of the island is where you can also find two popular destinations: Punakaiki and Hokitika.

Punakaiki is home to the curious limestone formations known as Pancake Rocks. Here you’ll be able to take a short 1.1km walk around these geological oddities. Pro Tip: Try to time your visit around high tide. This is when the surge pools and blowholes will be most active, leading to a true appreciation for the sheer power of the ocean.

Feeling adventurous? Bring a headlamp and make a quick stop at the Punakaiki Cavern, located just north of the Pancake Rocks along Highway 6. Don’t forget to look up to spot the glow worms and stalacites as you descend into the darkness!

If you have trouble spotting the glow worms in Punakaiki, don’t worry, so did we! Keep driving south to Hokitika and you’ll find the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell. Located directly off of Highway 6, this leafy canyon is a protected home to these intriguing creatures.

Make sure to go at night and watch as they illuminate the path. It’s free and only a 2 minute walk from the roadside, making it the perfect alternative to taking a time consuming and costly organized tour.

Did you know that the light emitted from these worms isn’t just mesmerizing to the human eye? It’s used to attract their food, luring insects and trapping them in their sticky threads!

Must Do: Hokitika Glow Worm Dell

Total Drive Time: 3 hrs, with PLENTY of roadside stops along the way

Overnight Stay: Hokitika Holiday Park. Powered sites start at $18 NZD per person and provide access to the community kitchen, lounge area, showers, playground, and free wifi!