Midway between Westport and Greymouth, Punakaiki is one of the most visited conservation areas in New Zealand. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides.

The limestone was formed 30 million years ago from fragments of dead marine creatures and plants on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed. Mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater sculpted the bizarre shapes.

The area is able to be explored by a number of walkways winding through the rock formations, including some carved into stairways up and down the rock faces. Parts are wheelchair accessible.

Protection from What?
The Paparoa National Park was created in 1987, to protect the unique limestone karst environment from mining and forestry. In the interests of science, the boundaries of the park were carefully established to encompass a complete range of landscapes and ecosystems.

Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)'s Record Breaking

• Near Whataroa, on the shores of the Okarito Lagoon, is New Zealand's only nesting colony of the white heron (Kotuku). Boat trips on this primeval swamp reveal these elegant birds in their natural glory.
• The Westland Black Petrel bird breeds only on the Punakaiki coast.
• Some plants are unique to the area, suggesting that it was a botanic refuge during the ice ages.

Local Knowledge

• 
  Time the visit for high tide, to see the incredible upwards water explosion.
• Greymouth has a local brewery, Monteith's, which produces beer since 1868, now sold countrywide.
• By following the historic Inland Pack Track, formed originally by gold miners, visitors can discover some of the park's most special places. Camping under a natural rock shelter "The Ballroom Overhang" - is an unforgettable experience.
• There are no bridges on the walks, so in rainy season during spring, take extra care crossing rivers.

Regional Attractions Accessible From Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)

• Greymouth, the major town on the West Coast and the terminus for the TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch.
• Hokitika, the other main centre in this area, the hub of the early gold rush.
• Westport, the main town in the north has a fur seal colony and in the north the Oparara Caves.
• Haast, offers a range of local sights to break the journey when travelling from Queenstown or Wanaka .

Best Views

The closest and best view of Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) is from the public walkway.

Best Months

The best time for hiking is in autumn. It's getting a little cool for swimming, but kayaking trips on the Porarari River are very rewarding. A sunset horse trek along the beach is a memorable experience.

Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) has its wettest time of year in spring. In winter, it's cooler, but the weather is drier. Every evening, the petrels gather at the beach before flying to their nesting grounds. During summer, the Inland Pack Track has many visitors. Cool off in a river, or head down to the beach for a body-surfing session.

Clothing

The most essential clothing item at Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) is a good pair of walking boots, as the rocks can be quite sharp underfoot.

Shopping

In the townships of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika, shop for pounamu (greenstone or jade). Pounamu is the local treasure that's only significant source within New Zealand is from the West Coast's raging mountain rivers. Jade Boulder Gallery in Greymouth is worth a visit.

Things to do in Punakaiki

Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)'s activities centre around the limestone coastline. It can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:

	Rocks and caves Behind Punakaiki there are accessible limestone caves - you'll need a torch. Local caving companies can help you to explore the deeper cave systems in the park, including the five kilometre Xanadu cave.
	Extended Walking Tracks The park's shorter walks include the Truman Track (30 minutes return) and the Pororari River Track (3 hours return) and the Fox River Caves Track (3 hours return). You'll need a tent to complete the two-day Inland Pack Track - there's a campsite, but no huts.
	Wilderness paddling Kayaking on the Pororari River is a peaceful way to soak up the ambience of the park. Highlights include a dramatic limestone gorge and bird spotting in the rainforest.
	Blowholes The short track to the blowholes at Punakaiki is one of New Zealand's most travelled trails, with good reason. When high tides coincide with westerly swells, seawater geysers shoot for the sky.
	Walking Tracks The park's shorter walks include the Truman Track (30 minutes return) and the Pororari River Track (3 hours return) and the Fox River Caves Track (3 hours return).

Diary of Events in the Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) Region

Coach Tours Which Include Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks).

Best of New Zealand Fully escorted coach touring to see New Zealand's many seasons from cruising the rugged rocky coastline, Bay of Islands beaches, Maori native culture, glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud pools, NZ's capital city, Interislander Cruise, fur seals & optional whale watching flight, touring past NZ's highest mountain, alpine scenic lakes, ski capital Queenstown, a tour of an historic castle, cruising on Fiordland past waterfalls & rock seals in Milford Sound, staying near icy glaciers and garden city Christchurch- all in 17 days.

Southern Experience See quintessential South Island in 10 days with your coach guide to show the sights from nature and New Zealand's own innovations. Relax on the historic paddle steamer in Queenstown but also see Bungy Jumping, Jet Boats and the Gondola. Tour through an historic castle in Dunedin but also travel by boat under the ground to find glow-worms. Feel nature's force with a Fiordland Milford Sound Cruise to where water's rise (not fall) and seals bask on the rocks. Take the world famous TranzAlpine train across the mountain pass to the wild west coast where pancake rocks look to be forged by some almighty hand. Stay close to an ancient glacier which still encroaches towards the sea. Conveniently start and finish in the garden city of Christchurch.

Ultimate New Zealand Departing Auckland for Christchurch, this 20 day fully escorted guided coach tour includes a refreshing 3 day trek along Greenstone Valley for untouched, stunning scenery. Reward for this effort is a special overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner as it navigates to the hidden Fiordland chasms. City tours of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin & Christchurch orientate with style, whilst natural attractions like Rotorua's geysers and hot mud, Huka Falls, Mt Cook and the stunning West Coast Glaciers are sure to impress. A Maori Hangi, a Scottish Haggis, a winery visit, dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown and working fruit orchards will satisfy the gourmets.

Films Made in this Region

In Greymouth, the following were filmed: Perfect Strangers 2003 and Never Say Die 1988. In Hokitika Magik and Rose 1999, and Bad Blood 1981 were filmed.

Eating & Sleeping

Regional Specialties & Cuisine

The Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) region has several homely cafes and restaurants and some with brilliant views.

Accommodation

The following is a selection of the hotels Relaxing Journeys use in our escorted coach tours.

Punakaiki Resort The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel, a truly unique tourism development on New Zealand’s incredible West Coast. We are an eco-tourism hotel, carefully designed to complement our stunning natural setting. Situated close to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki, and adjacent to Paparoa National Park, we take pride in caring for this special environment. The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel offers excellent comfort in innovative surrounds. It’s the ideal place from which to base your West Coast adventure.

The Ashley Hotel, Greymouth The Ashley Hotel in Greymouth is the West Coast's premier hotel located in the heart of the West Coast's natural wonderland. The Ashley Hotel is an ideal base for an adventure holiday, weekend away, festival, function or conference. The spectacular natural scenery, fascinating wildlife, intriguing history and famous hospitality will make your West Coast visit a very special experience.