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BIV Punakaiki

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BIV Punakaiki

Punakaiki, West Coast


BIV Punakaiki is located on the West Coast, along the famous Great Coastal Highway, just a four-minute drive from Punakaiki. It's approximately halfway between Greymouth and Westport.

Tucked into 1600sqm of native New Zealand forest, this architecturally designed cabin is the winner of multiple architectural awards - and a luxurious hidden gem like no other.

Designed for ultimate rest and relaxation, Biv Punakaiki is the ideal place to reflect, unwind and detach from the world. Set under the looming Karst Cliffs and surrounded by native Nikau palms, it's a place immersed in nature. Lounge in the cosy living space in front of the fire, or gaze directly into the forest as you soak in the large bathtub. The large windows and skylights keep you constantly connected to the bush during the day and to the stars at night.

You're only a five-minute walk to the hidden beauty of Truman Beach, a five-minute drive to the famous Pancake Rocks, and a short hop from the spectacular Pororari River Walk.

Flat rate for up to 4 people per night

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

BIV Punakaiki is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the dual induction cooktop and microwave provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Punakaiki is just an 5-minute drive away. There are delicious options at Pancake Rocks Cafe for breakfast and The Punakaiki Tavern for dinner.

Supermarkets for food shopping can be found in either Westport (45-minute drive north) or Greymouth (45-minute drive south), so best to stock up before you arrive.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

This beautiful architecturally designed escape is the spot to unwind and chill out. With large windows to the forest view, you feel immersed in nature whilst still having all the comforts of a home at hand.

If you are looking for something to do - you'll find it. Only 5 minutes away is Pancake Rocks. Take in the natural wonder of the rocks and walk a short loop track. The Pororari River Walk is highly recommended - a track that is also suitable for mountain biking. There is also kayaking, surfing and fossicking available in the area.

Looking for a beach to watch the stunning West Coast sunset? The stunning Truman Beach is a 5-minute walk from BIV Punakaiki.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at BIV Punakaiki are Mark and Andrew.

Mark and Andrew are brothers and spent most family holidays camping and kayaking along the West Coast. Their father grew up in the area, so it has always had a special place in the family's heart. All grown up, Mark and Andrew decided it was time to reconnect with the beautiful coast. Building the cabin was a more tangible way to remember the past while also creating future memories. Mark is an architect who put a lot of work into the design of the cabin.

The name 'BIV' is short for bivouac. The cabin was inspired by the rustic backcountry miner’s huts from the 19th Century gold rushes. The simple lines of the cabin's pitched black roof, lone chimney, tin cladding and dark brooding theme are reminiscent of these times. Mark and Andrew describe the cabin as being an old miner’s oilskin jacket and hat. Like a miner, sitting in the rain with his billy over a fire...sitting quietly in the trees.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Our stay was incredible! It was our first visit to the country and West Coast. I made a mistake while booking, and the hosts were quick to work with me on correcting the problem. When we arrived, the location was incredible, but the property was even better. So secluded and perfect for my wife and me. The hosts went above and beyond to provide anything we could need, even things we didn’t know we might have needed or wanted. When we get back to the country, we’ll certainly come back and stay again. ”

Michael Niebuhr- 2025-03-21

20 / 20

“ Such a unique wee spot to escape the city, unwind, and relax. We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you to the host for creating such a lovely setup — highly recommend! ”

Alena Eastmure- 2026-05-21

1 / 20

“ Nikau palm forest outside the windows is the best. ”

Shelley Washington- 2026-05-14

2 / 20

“ The bush setting was amazing. ”

Lloyd Barclay- 2026-03-31

3 / 20

“ Amazing architecture and setting. Beautifully appointed. ”

Louann King- 2026-03-29

4 / 20

“ We had a very comfortable and cosy stay at BIV. Ideal location for access to Paparoa. Surrounded by beautiful plants, Keruru and Weka too. ”

Charlie Haley- 2026-03-09

5 / 20

“ The BIV is a an architectural work of art. The space feels very private and you can tell how much thought and love went into designing and building it. We didn’t want to leave. Thanks for having us! ”

Phyllis You- 2026-03-09

6 / 20

“ Loved our stay in this little cabin in the forest! It is very cool! ”

Stephen Roberts- 2026-02-25

7 / 20

“ Stunning place to stay, highlight of our trip. ”

Anna McGeachan- 2026-02-14

8 / 20

“ BIV Punakaiki was a great little sanctuary after a few hours of driving south. It's such a beautiful lodge and was easy to chill and relax with all the beautiful greenery surrounding us. ”

Jane Wright- 2025-12-08

9 / 20

“ Tino ataahua. ”

keith anderson- 2025-09-10

10 / 20

“ BIV Punakaiki was incredible, the perfect little oasis on the West Coast! The setting was so tranquil and the architecture and interior perfectly matched the surroundings. ”

Dannii Kellett- 2025-09-06

11 / 20

“ Outstanding, scrupulously clean, very well appointed, relaxing, and serene. Highly recommended. ”

Jonathan Bielski- 2025-08-09

12 / 20

“ Nestled in nature. Serene in the green. ”

Dianna Henshaw- 2025-08-07

13 / 20

“ An architectural magical retreat. ”

Deborah Logt-Osborne- 2025-07-25

14 / 20

“ Great little place! ”

ANGELA MEYER- 2025-07-11

15 / 20

“ What a spot. Loved it. Wish we could have spent more time there. ”

Stephen Bromley- 2025-07-05

16 / 20

“ Being nestled in the bush was magical – every window looked out onto lush green forest in this beautiful, unique part of the world. BIV is small but perfectly formed, with attention given to the finer details such as lighting and comfort. We loved our stay here and will be back. ”

Sarah Penman- 2025-04-25

17 / 20

“ What an incredible place on the West Coast. The beautifully architecturally designed property set in the tropical NZ rainforest. Mark, the owner, was great, accommodating our needs after an engagement on the Great Walk. Would recommend this slice of heaven to anyone. ”

Matthew Arnold- 2025-04-25

18 / 20

“ BIV Punakaiki is incredible! Right in the middle of native bush, beautifully designed and with all the amenities you could need for a relaxing stay. We loved it. ”

Andrew & Caroline Pope- 2025-04-20

19 / 20

“ Our stay was incredible! It was our first visit to the country and West Coast. I made a mistake while booking, and the hosts were quick to work with me on correcting the problem. When we arrived, the location was incredible, but the property was even better. So secluded and perfect for my wife and me. The hosts went above and beyond to provide anything we could need, even things we didn’t know we might have needed or wanted. When we get back to the country, we’ll certainly come back and stay again. ”

Michael Niebuhr- 2025-03-21

20 / 20

“ Such a unique wee spot to escape the city, unwind, and relax. We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you to the host for creating such a lovely setup — highly recommend! ”

Alena Eastmure- 2026-05-21

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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