Punakaiki - The Pancake Rocks

Punakaiki, on the South Island's West Coast, is located 45kms north of Greymouth. Gateway to the Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is renowned for its Pancake Rocks - a stunning natural phenomenon that dominates the Punakaiki coastline.

THE PANCAKE ROCKS AND BLOWHOLES:

One of the West Coast's top tourist attractions, the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a cluster of limestone rocks, warn and carved by unrelenting West Coast waves for centuries. At high tide, when the swell is at its strongest, water spouts from the caverness rocks creating an awesome spectacle.

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are located on Dolomite Point, in the heart of Punakaiki. They are accessed via a looped walkway opposite the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. This paved loop is suitable for wheelchairs, and is lined with information boards discussing the geography and history of the rocks. The Pancake Rocks are best viewed at high tide. Allow 45 minutes to explore the loop and take photographs.

PUNAKAIKI WALKS & ATTRACTIONS:

Punakaiki Cavern - five minutes walk north from the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is Punakaiki Cavern. This karst cavern is home to Glowworms and stalactites. It can be explored on foot - just make sure you bring a torch and suitable footwear.

Truman Track - a few minutes drive north from Punakaiki is the Truman Track. Featuring rainforest, rimu, nikau palms and other native flora the Truman Track emerges at the coast, with stunning views across the Punakaiki coastline. Allow approximately 1 hour return.

Pororari River Track - this track begins at the Pororari River bridge, one kilometre north of the Visitor's centre. The track winds along the Pororari River into Paparoa National Park, passing through the Pororari River Gorge. Limestone cliffs dominate the gorge, which is carpeted in thick native forest. You'll encounter much indigenous birdlife on the track, including Wood Pigeons, Tomtits, Bush Robins, Tuis, Bellbirds and inquisitive flightless Weka (not to be confused with Kiwis!). Allow 2.5 hours return.