Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

This is an all-weather walk around the curious limestone formations of pancake rocks and blowholes. With the exception of an optional short section with steps, the walk is suitable for wheelchairs (with assistance).

Blowholes form from a mixture of compressed water and air escaping through the caverns below and being forced upwards, creating a huge wall of spray. They are at their best around high tide when there is a south-westerly swell.

Spectacular views, geological oddities, coastal forest, rich birdlife and marine mammals are highlights along this walk.

The walk is at Dolomite Point, near the little settlement of Punakaiki on SH6. It's 44 km north of Greymouth and 57 km south of Westport.

Car parking fees

DOC charges fees for car parking at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.

The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.

Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.

Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.

How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.

Visitors can not climb on the rocks as it is unsafe and to protect nesting birds and rare lepidium plants. Keep to the formed path and don't go beyond safety barriers.

Because the return track suddenly emerges on the highway make sure children are not running ahead.

A lifebelt near Sudden Sound Blowhole is a reminder that it's very dangerous to stray from the track and to take special care of children.

No drones

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.

Drone use on conservation land

The Pancake Rocks are most spectacular in the Putai area. They were formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed 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.