Jacks Blowhole Track
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Walk to a spectacular blowhole with exploding waves and roaring sound effects.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
From the carpark at the south end of the beach, the track takes you up a gravelled track to spectacular views looking out towards penguin bay with the crashing waves.
Follow the staircase up to a picnic table and a viewing platform to look down into Jacks Blowhole. Along the track 200 m inland from the ocean the power of water can be seen and felt on stormy days as the waves crash in through the narrow caves entering Jacks Blowhole.
Getting there
Jacks Blowhole is about 10 km from Owaka. Turn off the main road into Pounawea Road and follow this for 850 m to the turn into Hinahina Road. Follow Hinahina Road for 6 km then turn into Jacks Bay Road.
Know before you go
Use the stiles rather than the gateways.
For your safety, do not lean on the fence or stand on or cross the hand rails.
History and culture
As with the bay and nearby island, Jacks Blowhole is named after the famed Ngāi Tahu chief, Tuhawaiki, known to early European settlers as Bloody Jack – apparently, he was fond of using the expletive.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track