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Rock formation · Punakaiki, West Coast
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Layered limestone formations, like stacks of pancakes, at Dolomite Point within Paparoa National Park. At high tide with strong swell, the sea sprays through holes in the rock.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
The Pancake Rocks are at Dolomite Point, beside the village of Punakaiki, and are the most visited site on the northern West Coast. The limestone formed about 22 to 30 million years ago on the seabed from compacted and cemented shell fragments.
The stacked-pancake appearance comes from a process called stylostratification: pressure concentrated impurities into horizontal planes, creating bands of more resistant limestone separated by weaker layers that wind, rain and sea have eroded. The result is columns and cliffs of overlapping sheets.
The sea enters caves beneath the rocks and, when the tide is high and waves are strong, forces water out through holes above in sprays and foam jets. A network of boardwalks, with wheelchair-accessible sections and steps, leads to the viewing points. The Paparoa National Park visitor centre stands opposite the entrance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes for the circuit.
Best time
Near high tide with strong swell for the sprays; check the tide table. Late afternoon light brings out the rock layers.
How to get there
It is at Dolomite Point on Highway 6, beside the village of Punakaiki, with parking on the other side of the road near the visitor centre.
Tip
There is no entry fee for the circuit. Cross the road carefully when leaving the car park: traffic is heavy in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Why do the Pancake Rocks look like pancakes?
The limestone formed in harder bands separated by weaker layers, which wind, rain and sea eroded, leaving overlapping plates.
When do the blowholes at the Pancake Rocks work?
At high tide with strong swell. Check the tide table at the visitor centre or before you go.
Do you have to pay to see the Pancake Rocks?
There is no charge to use the boardwalk circuit.
How long does a visit to the Pancake Rocks take?
30–45 minutes for the circuit, which has sections accessible to wheelchairs.