While driving along the spectacular New Zealand West Coastline, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes is one of the highlights during the road trip. Located at 44 km north of Greymouth and 57 km south of Westport, here is the best spot to stop for a rest and enjoy the view.
The entrance is located along the Coast Road, opposite Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. There is a huge car park, cafe, and souvenir shop where you can hang out for a while.
The entire walking track is just approximately 20 minutes. However, we spent more than that for the splashing and whooshing.
This is an all-weather walk, however, it’s advised to stick to the designed path as the rocks are both fragile and dangerous.
The best time to visit this place is during high tide (View the Westport tide timetable) as you can enjoy the big waves and water blasts high up into the air through the blowholes, which will provide a loud “whoosh” and can get you with some sea spray.
Do you know?
Pancake Rocks are limestone, formed under the sea 35 million years ago by fragments of marine creatures and plants. The sea, rain and wind have since eroded the rocks to create the unique formations that now look like a stack of pancakes.
Rating
Experience ★★★★
