- An easy 1.1 km loop on a sealed path, wheelchair and pushchair friendly with some assistance, out to the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes.
- Best seen close to high tide, that is when the blowholes really put on a show.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted on this track.
- A paid parking pilot now applies at the Dolomite Point car park, so check the current DOC fees before you arrive.
Quick facts
Getting there
Punakaiki sits on State Highway 6 between Westport and Greymouth. From Westport take highway 67 to Reefton, then after about 6 km turn right onto highway 6 towards Greymouth via Punakaiki. Charleston township is another 25 km along, then Fox River at the 45 km mark, worth a stop for the short walk into Fox River Caves. The Irimahuwhero lookout is also a good place to stretch your legs before Punakaiki, which is another 2 km on.
There is a Westport to Greymouth bus that runs daily and stops in Punakaiki. Water is only available in Punakaiki village, so fill up before you set off.
The walk
The walk starts on the opposite side of the little shopping centre, you cannot miss the signs. The idea is to follow the arrows and walk in a clockwise direction, though not everyone sticks to that.
%20Rocks%20Walk)
You walk through a lot of native flax and nikau palms before reaching the sea. We found the walking track excellent and well maintained, a newly sealed foot path suitable for walking year round.
There is no shortage of limestone formations along the way. We had the camera clicking every five seconds, just fascinating stuff.
The first large area with seats and guard rails is the place to stop for the blowholes. They are fed by a maze of underground passages and large caverns, and at high tide you might see a huge geyser of spray burst out through the opening.
Follow the path on to the geyser itself. You can hear the water being forced out through the opening well before you see it.
What you will see on the pancake rocks and blowholes walk
The pancake rocks themselves are the main drawcard. Limestone layers made up of tiny shell fragments are separated from each other by thin bands of siltstone. Thousands of years of rain, wind and sea spray have worn the softer siltstone down into grooves, rounding off the edges of the limestone layers so they stack up like a pile of fat pancakes.
The rocks were formed by mild acid rain, high winds and sea water over roughly 30 million years, and they sit within the 30,000 hectare Paparoa National Park. As well as the rock formations you will see native flax, nikau palms and, if the sea is up, a proper geyser of spray from the blowholes.
Who this walk is for
This is a walk for pretty much everyone. It suits families with kids, grandparents, and anyone breaking up the drive between Westport and Greymouth. The sealed path makes it manageable for wheelchairs and pushchairs with some assistance, though there is a short side section with steps if you want the extra viewpoint.
When to go
The sealed path handles rain and wind fine, so this one works year round. Time it around high tide if you want the blowholes performing at their best, at low tide they can be a bit of a let down. Bring a rain coat, the West Coast weather does not always cooperate.
Important stuff
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk.
- Stay on the formed path and do not climb over the barriers or onto the rocks themselves. It is a long drop to the ocean, and the closures also protect nesting birds and rare lepidium plants.
- A paid parking pilot applies at the Dolomite Point car park, $5 per hour or $20 per day, running from 15 December 2025 to 30 June 2026. The first 20 minutes are free, so check current DOC fees before you visit.
- Toilets are available at the start of the walk, and water is only available in Punakaiki village.
My honest take
We really enjoyed this one. The blowholes and surge pools had us captivated, watching the water push in and out between the rocks. We had to wait a while for a proper burst of water out of the blowhole, it is best seen close to high tide so time your visit if you can. The track itself is a newly sealed path and easy walking in any weather, just take a rain coat and do not go past the barriers, it really is a long way down.
Common questions
How long does the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk take?
Budget about an hour for the 1.1 km loop, longer if you linger at the blowholes waiting for a good burst.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on this track.
Is there parking, and what does it cost?
Yes, at the Dolomite Point car park. A pilot charge of $5 per hour or $20 per day runs from 15 December 2025 to 30 June 2026, with the first 20 minutes free. Locals from the Buller, Grey and Westland districts can buy a $10 annual permit, other regular visitors can get a $60 annual pass. Check current DOC fees before you travel.
How far is it from Westport to Punakaiki?
It is around 45 minutes drive south on highway 6, via Charleston and Fox River.
Are there other new walks to try in Punakaiki?
DOC opened a couple of new short tracks in the village in early 2026, including a nature walk to a lookout behind the Punakaiki Experience Centre and a link path to the southern end of the village, both worth a look if you have extra time.
Other walks nearby
Back to the Punakaiki Walks hub.
