Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
EXPERIENCE NATURE’S POWER
See nature’s power in full force. There’s a rugged beauty about Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes where an unrelenting drama plays out as the mighty Tasman Sea crashes into these iconic limestone formations.
The West Coast’s most visited natural attraction is a fascinating sensory spectacle and an incredible contrast with the sublime palm-filled glades and tranquil trails of surrounding Paparoa National Park. Prepare to be blown away (by the scenery).
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Powerful natural forces are at work at the spectacular Pancake Rocks & Blowholes on Dolomite Point.
PANCAKE ROCKS & BLOWHOLES
Rising from the sea at Dolomite Point, the Pancake Rocks are part of a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through underwater channels and escapes via vertical blowholes.
These rocks, dating back some 30 million years, formed as layers on the sea bed which eventually rose under seismic action. Since then water, wind and salt spray have been constantly eroding the softer layers leaving a ‘pancake’ stack of harder limestone.
The easy Pancake Rocks Track is a 20-minute loop but double (or triple) that to leave enough time to view the blowhole action. It’s most impressive at high tide so check tide times at the Department of Conservation visitor centre opposite.
Paparoa National Park
Hikers on the Paparoa Track Great Walk in Paparoa National Park.
PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
Punakaiki — a friendly little cluster of accommodation hotels, resorts and eateries — sits on a stunning coastline surrounded by lush forests of nīkau palms, craggy limestone cliffs, canyons, caves, beaches and rivers.
This is the western fringe of Paparoa National Park and one end of the Paparoa Great Walk — a multi-day hike which traverses alpine tussock lands and mountain tops before descending to the coast.
Around Punakaiki, there are outdoor activities for every ability and thrill level from gentle walks to picture-perfect beaches, through forests and along the riverside to kayaking, caving, horse-riding or guided tours.
The Great Coast Road
THE GREAT COAST ROAD
Nature is on show everywhere you look here and the visual treats begin well before you arrive in Punakaiki because it’s conveniently located at the halfway point on the Great Coast Road, acclaimed as one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the World by Lonely Planet.
Take your time. The Great Coast Road — running between Westport in the north and Greymouth to the south — is a spectacular road trip that features glorious coastal vistas, compelling photo ops, lovely picnic spots and fascinating heritage sites.
Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Follow the scenic Great Coast Road to Punakaiki and stop off to watch the waves in action at Pancake Rocks.
GETTING TO PUNAKAIKI PANCAKE ROCKS & BLOWHOLES
Just follow the Great Coast Road (SH 6) and enjoy the scenic ride. It’s 56 km from Westport to Punakaiki, or 46 km Greymouth to Punakaiki.
Top things to do in Punakaiki
Deals, Accomodation and Activities
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Between the beach, river and National Park the Punakaiki Beach Camp is truly a paradise holiday destination. The camp is located 700m north of the Pancake Rocks under magnificent limestone cliffs.
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$80
Paparoa Track Services
The team at the Punakaiki Beach Camp will take care of your Great Walk logistics. We offer a simple booking system so you can confirm all track services instantly.
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Pancake Rocks Cafe
Famous Pancakes & Pizzas
Try our pancake stack available all day, and homemade stoneoven pizzas served from 11am.
$22 - $130
Punakaiki Beach Hostel
Punakaiki Beach Hostel is the perfect place to explore the West Coast's famous Pancake Rocks.
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$570
Punakaiki Escapes
Are you looking for a holiday home in a stunning location in Punakaiki on the West Coast?
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Hokitika Gorge
Lake Brunner
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Haast World Heritage area
Haast is the gateway to the remote and untouched conservation jewel, Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Ōpārara Arches
Experience extraordinary limestone arches, caves, whisky-coloured wilderness rivers and lush rainforest in Kahurangi National Park.
Glacier Country
Discover New Zealand’s twin glaciers and most diverse alpine to coastal landscape.
