It’s here we saw the spectacular blowhole and surge pools, we were totally captivated by the water going in and out between the rocks. We had to wait for a bit to see a burst of water push out the blowhole, it’s best seen at high tide. Punakaiki Pancake rock is set in the 30,000 hectare Paparoa National Park. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are just down the road from the Punakaiki Caves Walk.
Limestone layers are made up of tiny shell fragments, with each ‘pancake’ being separated from the next by a thin layer of siltstone. After thousands of years of rain, wind and sea spray which has worn down the softer siltstone into grooves. The edges get rounded on the limestone layers, which is why they look like big fat pancakes.
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The walk starts on the opposite side of the little shopping centre. You can’t miss the signs. The idea is to follow the arrows and walk in a clockwise direction but that does not always happen.
You walk through a lot of native flax and Nikau Palms before reaching the sea. We found the walking track excellent and well maintained.
There is no shortage of limestone formations along the way. We had the camera clicking every five seconds, just fascinating.
The first large area with seats and guard rails is the place to stop to see the blowholes. the blowholes are made from a maze of underground passages and large caverns where at high tide you might see a huge geyser of spray burst out of the blowhole.
Follow the path to the geyser. You can hear the water being forced out through the opening of the blowhole.
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