Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, and both a spectacular must-see attraction when visiting the West Coast of New Zealand. It’s one of the most picturesque places in NZ. You can visit these rock formations during a short and easy walk. Read our full guide below!
Location & How to get there
The pancake rocks are in Punakaiki near the Paparoa National Park. Punakaiki is located almost halfway between Greymouth and Westport on the West Coast of New Zealand. The walk starts at Dolomite Point, near the little settlement of Punakaiki on State Highway 6 (SH6). There is a car park with basic services right next to the road.
How Much Does it Cost?
It is free to visit them.
Map of Pancake Rock, New Zealand
Geology of Pancake Rock Formation
The limestone rocks are about 30 million years old, they were formed from the fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. You can see the different colored stripes caused by their different properties. Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed and exposed them to further transformations.
The heavily eroded limestone area gain its current shape during the last thousands of years. The forces of nature (mildly acidic rain, wind, and seawater) sculpted the bizarre shapes from the rocks.
What are blowholes? Why visit them at high tide?
Besides the layered pancake rocks, the other specialty of the place is the blowholes. Blowholes form from a mixture of compressed water and air escaping through the caverns below and being forced upwards and creating a huge wall of spray. Prepare that you will be a bit wet 😉
The height and the amount of the sprayed water are the biggest at high tide, so time your visit wisely. You can check the tide schedule of Westport here.
Photos of Pancake Rocks
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walks (Self-Guided)
The track takes 20-45 minutes to walk around the 1.1 km long loop. The walk is easy and suitable for everyone. You can leave your car (or camper) at Dolomite Point, the walk starts at the opposite side of the visitor center. In the beginning, you will find information boards about the geology, flora, and fauna or the area, then later, you just immerse to the spectacular views.
Visiting with Kids and Stroller
The majority of the walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly, so you can visit the Pancake rocks with small kids as well. We were there with our then-1-year-old son. There is only one steep section with stairs, but you are able to go around on flatter pavement and just skip that part. You will still pass numerous viewpoints.
Make sure you keep an eye on young children (and respect warning signs), as the waves and the water from the blowholes (especially in windy water) reaches the walkways as well.
Don’t forget to read our other tips if you travel with kids in New Zealand!
Other Activities in Punakaiki, West Coast, NZ
- Eat a Pancake Stack at the Pancake Rocks Café,
- Kayak or canoe on the river and lagoon,
- Explore underground,
- Ride a horse along the beach,
- Carve greenstone or forge your own knife at the nearby Barrytown.
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