Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

About this place

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a coastal rock formation at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki, on the West Coast of the South Island, within Paparoa National Park. Layers of limestone sit stacked like piles of pancakes, and they are said to be the most photographed rock formations in New Zealand. The limestone formed in the Oligocene, around 22 to 30 million years ago, when most of the continent of Zealandia lay beneath shallow seas. Geologic forces later uplifted it, and it was carved by water dissolving through joints and caverns and by the sea collapsing those caverns. About 450,000 people visited in 2017, many stopping on State Highway 6. Walkways wind through and over the rocks, parts wheelchair-accessible and parts carved into stairs. On incoming swells the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes, sending up strong white spray with a deep boom. Viewpoints show cliffs and small coves, with thick forest of palms and plants behind the coast. The best time is near high tide with a strong swell, so check the tide table at the visitor centre first, as the blowholes may not perform in a calm sea. The short walk takes about half an hour. Stay on the paths and behind the barriers, as wet rocks are slippery and waves are strong. Bring a rain jacket, as the West Coast sees a lot of rain.