Punakaiki also referred to as Pancake Rocks, is a stunning rock formation on South Island’s breathtaking West Coast and a must-see location on your road trip in New Zealand. With the help of our travel guide, learn more about the nearby blowholes and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
What makes Punakaiki Pancake Rocks so special?
The Pancake Rocks have a wonderfully intriguing history in addition to a super cute name and shape. More than 30 million years old, this region of heavily worn limestone is proof that Mother Nature is the world’s finest artist.
Small chunks and minute shards of deceased marine life formed a dense layer on the seafloor two kilometers below the surface, where intense water pressure consolidated and transformed them into limestone.
The cemented strata were elevated from the seabed and above the surface of the water ‘a few’ years and earthquakes later, and the salt spray, waves, and fierce winds took care of the rest. The rocks acquired the aesthetically pleasing shape you can see now as a result of the severe weather.
Punakaiki Natural Blowholes
The Blowholes are the consequence of a combination of vertical and narrow horizontal air shafts carved out by weathering rock. At high tide, the sea swells and pushes water up the shafts and up the tunnels, giving the top of the structure the appearance of a geyser.
Walk to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Give yourself 20 minutes to complete the easy (1.1 km) walk that circles the highway and leads to the rocks and blowholes. If you wish to snap pictures, add at least 40 minutes. Wheelchairs can travel on a portion of the trail. Keep kids close by, particularly toward the conclusion of the stroll when it starts to head toward the freeway.
Read more 10 Natural Wonders of New Zealand You Must See Before You Die
How to get there
State Highway 6 is the sole route that runs along the West Coast. After 45 kilometers of traveling north from Greymouth, you will arrive in Punakaiki. Along the journey, take in the scenery. It is about a 55-kilometer trip in the opposite way (from Westport).
When traveling from Christchurch, take the beautiful route 73 across Arthur’s Pass, where you can walk to Avalanche Peak and then connect to either Highway 6 or Highway 7 at Kumara Junction to reach Greymouth.
The best time to visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
For the best view of the blowholes along the road at their peak, visit Pancake Rocks during high tide. Punakaiki is worth seeing even during low tide. Still, we know that it is impossible to arrange your entire day around the timing of the tides, especially if your schedule is already jam-packed.
Tips to travel
The West Coast of the South Island experiences the highest rainfall of any region in the nation. Therefore, you must travel with a decent waterproof jacket or poncho. You should also wear appropriate walking shoes, leave your jeans at home for today, and dress in more weather-resistant clothing just in case it starts to rain.
Pancake Rocks is truly a masterpiece of nature for New Zealand. Don’t miss visiting this place while in New Zealand because it will give you an amazing and unique experience that can’t be found elsewhere.
