I would highly recommend staying at Paparoa Whare if you will be staying in the Punakaiki area. The location was great - close to the Pancake Rocks and many other great nearby walks/hikes. The chalet is near the main road and a few other accommodations, but is very peaceful and secluded, so it feels like your own little private paradise! There are two very nice decks and a grill, so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful nature all around you. We had a friendly weka (native bird) visit us a few times during our stay :) Also, from the bedroom window, you can look up and see the stars on a clear night. If you'll be staying long enough, getting groceries from nearby Greymouth or Charleston would be a good idea, so you can prepare meals there.
We wish we could have stayed longer as it was an ideal place to get away from it all but still have everything you need!