It was established in 1987 and encompasses 306 km². The park ranges from on or near the coastline to the peak of the Paparoa Ranges. A separate section of the park is to the north and is centered at Ananui Creek.
The park protects a limestonekarst area. The park contains several caves, one of which is a commercial tourist attraction. The majority of the park is forested with a wide variety of vegetation.
The park was the site of the 1995 Cave Creek disaster where a scenic overlook collapse killed fourteen people.
The small village of Punakaiki lies on the edge of the park.