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.

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.