Paparoa National Park - Pancake Rock

Settled quietly between Westport & Greymouth, Punakaiki township is the gateway to Paparoa National Park. Opened in 1987, Paparoa National Park's boundaries were carefully chosen to protect the areas forests and minerals complete with their ecosystems. A compact park of 30,000 hectares it is rich with hidden caves, disappearing streams and river gorges.

Paparoa packs a punch for its size and has great variety…famous for its "Pancake Rock" on Dolomite Point. These limestone rocks have eroded and formed a pattern, which make them look like a stack of pancakes. This unique weathered rock formation lends itself to water spouting or blowholes from the seas tides and waves in strong weather conditions.

Punakaiki is also the closest population centre to the amazing Pancake Rock and accompanying blowholes. You will find a variety of accommodation catering for most tastes and there are good eating places and galleries. The

Population: 70 (approx) -small but friendly.