Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk is a short footpath to unusual limestone formations on the coast that resemble stacked pancakes. The route is about 1.1 kilometers long, paved, and leads visitors through rainforest to the rocks, where natural openings shoot water into the air when the tide is high and waves are strong.
The Pancake Rocks formed about 30 million years ago from the remains of tiny marine organisms and plants that settled on the seabed and transformed into limestone through time and pressure. Seismic activity lifted these layers above the sea surface, where wind, rain, and seawater gradually carved them into the distinctive shapes seen today.
The name Pancake Rocks comes from their striking resemblance to stacked pancakes, a description that visitors immediately recognize. The place has a relaxed, nature-watching feel where people gather to photograph the formations and experience the power of the ocean.
The path is flat, about 20 minutes long, and suitable for families with children, with paved surfaces and wheelchair access on most sections. Visitors should watch for safety barriers and supervise children carefully, as the return route exits directly onto a busy road and the limestone rocks can be unstable.
The blowholes work like natural water fountains when seawater and air are forced through underground caverns beneath the rocks. This phenomenon is especially dramatic at high tide with strong swell, when the spray shoots several meters into the air and captivates visitors with its raw power and unpredictability.
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