Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Punakaiki ~ Reviews, Room Choices & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

State Highway 6, Punakaiki, New Zealand, 7850

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, formerly known as The Ocean View Retreat, is a stunning ocean view resort located on the famous West Coast of New Zealand. Nestled among temperate rainforest and just a breath away from the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, it features 63 premium guest rooms that offer breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and surrounding natural beauty. This resort provides an exceptional dining experience and caters to various guests, from nature lovers to business travelers seeking a unique retreat.

Location

Located between Greymouth and Westport, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is easily accessible via State Highway 6 and is only a short drive from the stunning Pancake Rocks. The resort is also a convenient starting point for exploring the sub-tropical rainforest and coastal beauty of the region. Transportation options include a shuttle service from Greymouth, enhancing ease of access for guests.

Rooms

The resort features a variety of guest rooms including Rainforest Rooms, Beach View Rooms, Grand Ocean View Rooms, Deluxe Suites, and Pet Friendly Rooms, each designed to maximize comfort and views. Most rooms include luxurious Super King beds, en-suite bathrooms, and kitchen facilities, with options for private balconies or direct beach access. Views vary from lush rainforest gardens to stunning beach vistas.

Eat & Drink

The Ocean View Restaurant and Bar offers a premium dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and hearty West Coast fare. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant features signature dishes like the South American Style BBQ Charcuterie Board, prepared by Executive Chef Sandro Lobao. Guests can enjoy meals while taking in epic views of the Tasman Sea and Punakaiki Beach.

Leisure & Business

Guests can engage in various recreational activities including exploring walking and cycling tracks in nearby Paparoa National Park or enjoying the pristine beach. The resort offers e-bike rentals for guests wishing to explore the area at their own pace. Additionally, visitors can unwind in the hotel’s executive lounge by the fireplace after a day of adventure.

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Beach View Room – Terrace

Max:

2 persons

32 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Rainforest Room – Balcony

Max:

2 persons

32 m²

Bed options:

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Sea view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Grand Ocean View Room – No Balcony

Max:

2 persons

32 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Sea view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Punakaiki700 m

Airports

Greymouth (GMN) 45.4 km

Westport (WSZ) 60.8 km

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

Superb Breakfast!

“I highly recommend the eggs Benedictine at breakfast; it was a fantastic start to the day!” view full review

Spacious Comfort

“Our room had two king-sized beds, providing ample space and a clean, tidy environment for our family.” view full review

Refreshing Amenities

“The bathroom was well-kept and had great water pressure, making for a refreshing shower experience.” view full review

Lovely Balcony Views

“We enjoyed our own food on the balcony, which offered breathtaking views any time of day.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage 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

Cots

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

State Highway 6, Punakaiki, New Zealand, 7850

Map view

State Highway 6, Punakaiki, New Zealand, 7850

City landmarks

State Highway 6 Paparoa National Park

Punakaiki Cavern

970 m

SH6

Pancake Rocks

730 m

Punakaiki Scenic Attraction

1.2 km

Paparoa National Park 7873

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

610 m

Sudden Sound

910 m

Nature reserve

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

940 m

Chimney Pot

990 m

Putai Blowhole seat

1.0 km

Surge Pool

1.0 km

4300 State Highway 6

Pororari River Track

1.9 km

4300 State Highway 6

Punakaiki Canoes

2.0 km

Inland Pack Track

1.6 km

Camping

Punakaiki Beach Camp

2.2 km

Lookout

3.0 km

Coghlans Lookout

3.6 km

Mitchell's Gully Gold Mine

5.0 km

Nearby

SH6

Punakaiki Horse Treks

160 m

Restaurants

Pancake Rocks Cafe

640 m

Statehighway 6 4300 Coast Road RD 1

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience. <br />

72%

liked the resort and would come back

7.2/10

Very good

Rooms

7.3

Location

9.2

Service

7.0

Dining

5.9

Chad

United States, December 2024

6.2/10

The hotel is in a beautiful location, right by a tropical pond which adds charm, but it was quite noisy at night due to the frogs, which made our stay less than ideal. The rooms were spacious and looked decent, but we only stayed for one night. The service was friendly and attentive, and the Wi-Fi access was great. However, the lack of a view and noisy guests were drawbacks.

Rooms

6.0

The room was big and looked okay, but we had to deal with loud mating frogs which ruined our sleep.

Service

7.0

The staff were very friendly and attentive, but some seemed inexperienced.

Location

7.0

The location by the tropical pond was lovely during the day, but it required a walk to the main building for breakfast, which was inconvenient.

Dining

5.0

Dinner was just average; not bad, but nothing unique.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel had decent amenities, but overall, nothing stood out as exceptional.

Karen

United States, December 2024

7.0/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The location is simply stunning, right by the beach with breathtaking views. The rooms were clean and beautifully furnished, but they felt a bit dated. The service was hit or miss—while some staff were friendly and helpful, others seemed unsure of what to do. Dining options were quite pricey for what you get, which was disappointing, especially for breakfast.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were clean and beautifully furnished but felt a bit dated in terms of cabinetry and finish.

Service

6.0

Some staff members were friendly and accommodating, but overall, the service felt inconsistent and lacking in knowledge.

Location

10.0

The location is magnificent, right on the beach and close to stunning natural sites like the pancake rocks.

Dining

5.0

Dining was quite expensive for what you receive, especially breakfast, which felt steep in price for basic options.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities were satisfactory, but nothing stood out as exceptional.

Dennis

United States, November 2024

8.0/10

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel, especially because of the breathtaking views right above the beach and the close proximity to fascinating attractions like Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The rooms were lovely, but I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't get a room with an ocean view, which was sold out. The service had its ups and downs; while the staff was accommodating, some seemed a bit inexperienced. Overall, it was a good value for money given the location and amenities, but a few aspects could be improved.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were lovely, although I missed out on a view of the coast and ocean since those were sold that night.

Service

7.0

The service was a mixed bag. While the staff was happy to provide assistance and allowed us to have dinner in the quieter bar-lounge area, some of the waiting staff appeared to lack experience.

Location

10.0

The location is fantastic, directly at the beach and just a short walk from the stunning Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Dining

7.0

The breakfast options were decent, though I wish there had been more variety.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities were good, and the pool area was well-maintained, but nothing felt particularly luxurious.

Carl

United States, October 2024

6.0/10

The hotel is in a good location with a stunning ocean view, but the rooms had a persistent unpleasant smell that detracted from my stay. The staff, though friendly and accommodating, seemed a bit understaffed and the dining experience was quite expensive for average food. Overall, the value for money wasn’t ideal considering the drawbacks.

Rooms

5.0

I enjoyed the lovely ocean view from my room, but unfortunately, there was a terrible smell that lingered throughout my stay.

Service

6.0

The service was a bit on the cold side, though some staff members were exceptionally friendly and accommodating despite being low in number.

Location

8.0

The hotel was conveniently located near the ocean and had spectacular views, making it a decent spot overall.

Dining

5.0

Dining options were quite disappointing; the food was expensive and very average, not lives up to expectations.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities were basic, and although clean, they didn't stand out as exceptional.

Riley

United Kingdom, September 2024

8.2/10

The hotel has a stunning location with beautiful views of the ocean and is conveniently close to local attractions like the Pancake Rocks. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, making for a relaxing stay. However, I found the dining options to be somewhat disappointing, lacking the freshness I expected. The service was good, but some staff seemed inexperienced, which affected the overall experience.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were quite large, very clean, and incredibly comfortable with great views over the beach and ocean.

Service

7.0

The staff was welcoming and accommodating, especially when we requested dessert and drinks late at night, but some of the waiting staff seemed inexperienced.

Location

8.0

The hotel has a perfect location for visiting attractions like the Pancake Rocks and Truman Beach, though it was a bit of a walk to the main building for meals.

Dining

7.0

The dining went beyond my expectations with a lovely traditional Christmas meal, but typical breakfasts felt a bit lackluster compared to a good B and B.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were decent, and the overall vibe of the resort was pleasant, but nothing particularly stood out.

Sebastian

United Kingdom, September 2024

7.6/10

This hotel has a great location right on the beach with stunning views, making it a perfect retreat. The rooms were a bit outdated but provided everything we needed for our short stay. The service could be more attentive, especially for individual travelers. Overall, it offers decent value for the money, but there were a few hiccups that made the experience less than ideal.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were a little outdated but still comfortable, with excellent views of the sea. We could hear the waves and watch the weather change right from our window.

Service

6.0

The service was professional but lacked a personal touch for individual guests; they seemed more focused on larger tour groups. While they were generally helpful, a few interactions left us wanting more.

Location

10.0

The hotel is in a fantastic location, right on the beach, with a beautiful private beach and amazing ocean views. It's also just a short walk from Pancake Rocks, making it convenient for sightseeing.

Dining

7.0

Dining options included basic amenities for a simple breakfast, and overall it felt good and not overly priced.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were decent but could use an upgrade. The overall comfort level was good for a short stay.

John

United Kingdom, August 2024

8.0/10

This hotel is perfectly situated right by the beach with beautiful sea views. The rooms are spacious and have a mini kitchen, making them quite comfortable. However, the service could use some improvement, particularly when it comes to handling breakfast charges. Overall, it's a worthwhile spot for a short stay, especially for those wanting to explore the area.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms are large and well-equipped, featuring a mini kitchen and lovely beach views, although the decor felt a bit dated.

Service

6.0

The staff were generally courteous and welcoming, but I was disappointed with how they handled our breakfast charge despite hardly touching the meal.

Location

10.0

The location is fantastic, right on the beach, and close to attractions like the Pancake Rocks.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was decent, with a cooked breakfast option, but it didn't really impress me.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel grounds were lovely, but I wish there were more amenities available.

Jacob

United Kingdom, August 2024

6.8/10

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel with its amazing views of the Tasman Sea. The location near the coast is truly spectacular, although the service could use some improvement. The rooms were better than I expected, but they did feel a bit cramped at times. Dining was just okay, and I found it a bit pricey for what was offered.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were basic but better than I expected from the pictures online. They felt a bit small and were affected by noise from upstairs guests.

Service

6.0

Service was a bit disappointing; staff seemed overwhelmed and didn't know basic information about the menu, but they were very apologetic.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is phenomenal, right on the Great Coast Road and by the sea, offering breathtaking views.

Dining

5.0

Dining was average, with a hot and cold buffet that didn't really impress me, and I felt it was a bit overpriced.

Facilities

6.0

Facilities were adequate but nothing outstanding compared to similar establishments I’ve stayed at.

Paul

United Kingdom, August 2024

7.8/10

The hotel has a great location right by the sea with stunning views, which I absolutely loved. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, making for a comfortable stay. The service was friendly and efficient, though I did find the dining options somewhat lacking and a bit confusing. Overall, it offers good value for money, but there’s room for improvement in the food department.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were large and well-equipped, providing a comfortable atmosphere for my stay.

Service

9.0

The staff were friendly and efficient, setting up everything we needed and responding quickly to our requests.

Location

10.0

The location is spectacular, right by the wild beach where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the west coast's crashing waves.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was a bit generic and had some confusing moments during breakfast service, with limited options available.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities were good, but nothing stood out as exceptionally impressive.

Daniel

United States, July 2024

7.8/10

My stay was quite enjoyable, with friendly staff and a great location just a short walk from the stunning pancake rocks and beach. The rooms were spacious and well-furnished, but they could use a little upkeep, especially in the bathrooms. Overall, I felt it offered good value for money, but the noise from the upper units was a bit bothersome at times.

Rooms

7.0

The eco suites were large and well-furnished but needed some work, particularly in the bathroom where there were visible cracks and a hole in the wall. They were clean, but I did hear a fair amount of noise from the people above me.

Service

10.0

The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly. They went the extra mile, even surprising us with a bottle of wine for our honeymoon. It really felt like a cozy country pub.

Location

9.0

The location was perfect, just minutes away from the blowhole and pancake rocks, making it easy to explore the beautiful West Coast.

Dining

6.0

The dining options were decent, but the quality of some dishes was underwhelming. I wish there were more choices available.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel had some nice amenities, but overall, I think they could improve a bit to match the beautiful surroundings.