New Zealand Travel & Tourism

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Woodpecker Bay Punakaiki | Beachfront Accommodation

Escape to the wild West Coast at Woodpecker Bay, offering unique Punakaiki beachfront accommodation near Fox River, just north of Punakaiki. Choose from six self-contained baches set along a spectacular stretch of coastline, with stunning Tasman Sea views and the water’s edge just steps away.

With fully equipped kitchens, quality linen, free fast WiFi and incredible coastal surroundings, the baches provide an independent base for couples, friends and families wanting to explore Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park and New Zealand’s rugged West Coast.

Why Choose Woodpecker Bay?

Six self-contained West Coast baches
Spectacular oceanfront locations
Stunning Tasman Sea views
Near Fox River, just north of Punakaiki
Approximately 15 minutes from the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Fully equipped kitchens
Quality linen and towels provided
Free fast WiFi
Free parking
Options sleeping from 2 to 6 guests
Selected baches suitable for families with small children
Convenient accommodation for the Paparoa Track
Three neighbouring baches suitable for groups travelling together
Direct online booking
Independent West Coast business
Every booking supports the West Coast Penguin Trust

Beachfront Accommodation Near Punakaiki

Woodpecker Bay isn’t your typical motel or hotel stay. The collection consists of 6 individual self-contained baches spread along several kilometres of beautiful West Coast coastline near Fox River.

A bach – pronounced “batch” – is the Kiwi name for a traditional holiday home, often found beside the coast. Woodpecker Bay’s baches retain that relaxed, rustic character while providing the facilities needed for a comfortable self-catering stay.

Wake to the sound of the Tasman Sea, watch dramatic West Coast sunsets and experience a part of New Zealand where the wilderness feels remarkably close.

Woodpecker Bay Bach – Sleeps 2

Woodpecker Bay Bach is a studio-style coastal bach for one or two guests wanting a peaceful West Coast escape.

The open-plan bach has a queen bed and fully equipped kitchen, along with impressive ocean views.

Features include:

Sleeps 2
Queen bed
Fully equipped kitchen
Open-plan living
Bathroom with shower and bath
Outside flush toilet
Wood-burning fire
Heating
TV and Netflix
Bluetooth speaker
Free fast WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

This bach is most suitable for adult travellers and is not well suited to babies or infants.

Te Tūtū Bach – Sleeps 4

Te Tūtū Bach offers a classic Kiwi West Coast experience for up to four guests, with two queen bedrooms and easy access to the beach.

Features include:

Sleeps 4
Two queen bedrooms
Fully equipped kitchen
Bathroom
Beach access
Wood-burning fire
Heating
TV and Netflix
Bluetooth speaker
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

Te Tūtū is most suitable for adult travellers and is not well suited to babies or infants.

Little Blue – Sleeps 4

Cosy and intimate, Little Blue accommodates up to four guests and enjoys views towards the sea.

Features include:

Sleeps 4
Two double beds
Fully equipped kitchen
Open-plan living
Bathroom
Beach access
Wood-burning fire
Heating
TV and Netflix
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

Little Blue is most suitable for adults and is not well suited to babies or infants.

Waihaha Bach – Sleeps 5

Perched just above the crashing surf, Waihaha Bach sleeps up to five guests and makes the most of its spectacular ocean setting.

Features include:

Sleeps 5
One queen bedroom
One double bedroom
One king-single bed
Fully equipped kitchen
Bathroom
Beach access
Air conditioning
Heating
TV and Netflix
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

Families with small children should check the property’s safety information before booking.

Waituhi at Whitehorse Bay – Sleeps 6

Set amongst lush gardens overlooking the wild Tasman Sea, Waituhi at Whitehorse Bay is the largest of the six baches and accommodates up to six guests.

Its three-bedroom layout makes it particularly suitable for friends or families looking for more space.

Features include:

Sleeps 6
Two queen bedrooms
Twin bedroom
Fully equipped kitchen
Bathroom
Beach access
Air conditioning
Heating
TV, DVDs and Netflix
Bluetooth speaker
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

Families with small children should review the property’s safety information before booking.

Bach 51 – Sleeps 4

Surrounded by beautiful nīkau palms, Bach 51 is a cosy beachfront bach for up to four guests.

Features include:

Sleeps 4
Queen bedroom
Double bedroom
Fully equipped kitchen
Open-plan living
Bathroom
Beach access
Wood-burning fire
TV
Off-grid power outlets for charging devices
Free WiFi
Free parking
Pantry basics
Quality linen and towels

Bach 51 is most suitable for adult travellers and is not well suited to babies or infants.

West Coast Accommodation for Groups

Travelling with friends or a larger family group?

Waihaha Bach, Little Blue and Te Tūtū Bach are located adjacent to one another and can accommodate up to 13 guests across the three properties. This makes them particularly convenient for families and groups who want to stay close together while enjoying the privacy and independence of separate baches.

Together, these three baches provide a useful option for groups exploring Punakaiki and the West Coast.

Family-Friendly West Coast Baches

While the properties are generally best suited to adults and older children, some Woodpecker Bay baches can accommodate families with small children.

Due to the coastal locations and individual layout of each property, they are not well suited to babies or infants.

Families should check the specific property information and safety requirements before booking to choose the most appropriate bach.

Stay Near Punakaiki & Paparoa National Park

Woodpecker Bay provides a peaceful base for exploring some of the northern West Coast’s most spectacular scenery.

The famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki are approximately 15 minutes away, while Paparoa National Park offers walking, hiking and cycling opportunities through dramatic limestone landscapes and native forest.

Nearby places and experiences include:

Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks
Paparoa National Park
Paparoa Track
Truman Track
Fox River
Cape Foulwind Walkway
Tauranga Bay Seal Colony
Denniston historic area
Kawatiri Coastal Trail
Old Ghost Road
Charleston and Underworld Adventures
Westport
Greymouth

The property’s position between Punakaiki and Charleston also makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the West Coast by road.

Accommodation Near the Paparoa Track

Walking or cycling the Paparoa Track?

Woodpecker Bay offers a relaxing place to stay before or after your adventure, with self-contained facilities, comfortable beds and a peaceful coastal setting.

After a day exploring Paparoa National Park, return to your bach, prepare your own meal and relax while looking out towards the Tasman Sea.

Wildlife at Woodpecker Bay

The coastline surrounding Woodpecker Bay is home to an array of wildlife.

Guests may see seals and seabirds along the coast, with occasional penguins in the area. Dolphins are also frequently spotted swimming offshore.

The remote setting and proximity to the sea make wildlife and nature an important part of the Woodpecker Bay experience.

Supporting West Coast Penguins

Staying at Woodpecker Bay also helps support local conservation.

A portion of every guest booking is donated to the West Coast Penguin Trust, helping its work protecting penguins and their coastal habitat.

As of September 2026, Woodpecker Bay and its guests have contributed $15,231 NZD to the Trust.

Good to Know Before Booking

Check-in is from 4pm
Check-out is by 10am
Pets are not permitted
Properties are not well suited to babies or infants
Selected properties can accommodate families with small children
Individual property safety information should be checked before booking
Accommodation is self-contained
Free WiFi is available at all six baches

Book Direct with Woodpecker Bay

Book directly with Woodpecker Bay to check current availability and choose the bach that best suits your West Coast stay.

Booking direct supports an independent New Zealand accommodation business, and a portion of every booking also goes towards the work of the West Coast Penguin Trust.

Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal escape, exploring the Paparoa Track or looking for Punakaiki beachfront accommodation with friends or family, Woodpecker Bay offers a memorable place to slow down and experience the wild West Coast.

Explore the West Coast

Woodpecker Bay is a great base for discovering the wild beauty of the West Coast, from the Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park to walking and cycling trails, wildlife, beaches and historic attractions.

Plan more of your journey with our West Coast Travel Guide, featuring places to visit, things to do and accommodation throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Woodpecker Bay?

Woodpecker Bay is near Fox River on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, just north of Punakaiki. The six baches are spread along several kilometres of coastline.

How far is Woodpecker Bay from Punakaiki?

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki are approximately 15 minutes from the Woodpecker Bay accommodation.

What accommodation does Woodpecker Bay offer?

Woodpecker Bay offers six self-contained coastal baches: Woodpecker Bay Bach, Te Tūtū Bach, Little Blue, Waihaha Bach, Waituhi at Whitehorse Bay and Bach 51.

Do the baches have kitchens?

Yes. All six baches have fully equipped kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals during their West Coast stay.

Does Woodpecker Bay have WiFi?

Yes. Free, fast WiFi is available at all six Woodpecker Bay baches.

Is Woodpecker Bay suitable for families?

Some properties can accommodate families with small children, although the baches are generally not well suited to babies or infants. Check the individual property information before booking.

Can groups stay at Woodpecker Bay?

Yes. Waihaha Bach, Little Blue and Te Tūtū Bach are adjacent to each other, making them particularly useful for groups wanting several separate baches close together.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted at Woodpecker Bay.

Is Woodpecker Bay close to the Paparoa Track?

Woodpecker Bay is well positioned for visitors exploring Paparoa National Park and the Paparoa Track, making the baches a relaxing option before or after walking or cycling in the area.