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Located at Dolomite Point, near the little settlement of Punakaiki on SH6, The Coast Road, the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are 40 minutes drive north of Greymouth and 45 minutes south of Westport.

Pancake Rocks, Dolomite Point, Punakaiki, West Coast. New Zealand

Formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. The 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.

With an appearance of large pancakes the limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide when the Tasman is booming from the west.

Rocks & Blowholes Loop Walk

The Rocks and Blowholes are a 20 minute loop walk from the main highway opposite the visitors center at Dolomite Point.

Passing through wind stunted coastal forest dotted with fine examples of nikau - New Zealand's only native palm. The track crosses a bridge between the Chimney Pot and Surge Pool then climbs to a viewpoint above the biggest blowhole - Putai. Before returning to the main highway via the Archway and two view points.

Please stay to the track, do not go over the barriers and watch children at all times.

In clear weather Aoraki/Mt Cook and other peaks of the Southern Alps make an awesome background in the far south.

Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki West Coast New Zealand.

Welcome to the “real” West Coast ... enjoy your stay.