Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Exploring the unusual geological formation on the west coast of the South Island
NEW ZEALAND
As we continued up the west coast of the South Island, we made a stop at a natural wonder, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. The unique rock formations, resembling stacks of pancakes, are a result of millions of years of minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landing on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. With the sea now uplifted and erosion by wind and waves you get to see a unique landscape on the coastline.
We visited the Pancake rocks during high tide and got to see the blowholes at their peak, spraying water into the air as the waves roll in. There was a large parking area and the short trail was mostly flat and paved. After parking, we crossed the road and were greeted by the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes sign.
If you arrive at high tide you also get to see the blowholes in action as each wave forces water through their confined space causing a geyser style jet of water to shoot up. On a sunny day, the mist creates a rainbow.
The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is an easy roadside stop that packs in a ton of unique features. Make sure to come at high tide as you can enjoy the full experience. Happy exploring!
There are several great viewing areas as you make your way around the trail. They have information boards to tell you about the geological formations as well as great spots to watch the waves roll into the shoreline.
Below is a video of one of the blowholes.
