Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes: Travel Guide
Punakaiki, better known as Pancake Rocks is a gorgeous rock formation on the spectacular West Coast of South Island, and must-visit place on your road trip around New Zealand. Read more about Pancake Rocks and blowholes in the area with our travel guide, including tips on where to stay, how to get there, and the best time to visit.
There are many beautiful scenic drives in New Zealand, but there is only one road following West Coast where you will able to admire the rough beauty and picturesque landscape.
Driving along the spectacular New Zealand coastline in this part of the country was an unforgettable experience for us, and Pancake Rocks and blowholes were together with famous glaciers the highlight of our West Coast road trip.
In other words, Pancake Rocks are a must-visit place in New Zealand plus it is a welcoming stop in case you are driving long distances every day.
This travel guide will help you to enjoy your trip to this astonishing place as it includes information on Pancake Rocks and practical information you should know before your visit as well.
PANCAKE ROCKS
Although the Pancake Rocks have a super-cute name and shape (we feel quite nostalgic when we hear the word pancakes as we must say that we ate more pancakes during our year in New Zealand that we would like to admit), they have also a super-interesting origin as well.
This heavily eroded limestone area is more than 30 million years old, and this place proves that Mother Nature is the world's greatest artist.
At two kilometers below the surface, small pieces and tiny fragments of dead marine life made a thick layer on the seabed, where an enormous water pressure solidified them and turned them into a limestone.
A 'few' years and earthquakes later, the solidified layers were raised from the seabed and above the sea surface, and the salt spray, waves, and harsh winds took care of the rest. Thanks to the rough weather conditions, the rocks got the photogenic shape you can see now.
There are signs along the trail where you can learn more about how the Pancake Rocks were formed.
PANCAKE ROCKS TRAIL
The best way how you can appreciate this attraction is from the official trail, which will take you to the best viewpoints.
You will find the trailhead to Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk two minutes ride south from Punakaiki settlement.
The entrance is just across the road from Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre, and you do need to pay any entrance fee, which we think is positive news. There is also a parking lot, cafe, and souvenir shop where you can hang out for a while, especially when the weather is not pleasant.
This all-weather 1.1-kilometer long loop trail is quite short and easy to walk on. Some parts of the trail are also wheelchair-accessible.
You need approximately 30 minutes to finish the loop, but we spent much more time there, waiting for the big waves crashing into blowholes, and putting on a spectacular show.
Quick tip: Stay on the trail and in the designated areas.
HOW TO GET TO PANCAKE ROCKS
There is only one road on the West Coast - State Highway 6. From Greymouth, head north, enjoy the views along the way, and you will reach Punakaiki after 45 kilometers. When going in the opposite direction (from Westport), it's about 55 kilometers long drive.
If you are arriving from Christchurch, take the scenic road 73 via Arthur's Pass, where you can hike to Avalanche Peak, and join the Highway 6 at Kumara Junction, or Highway 7, that will take you directly to Greymouth.
We say it in almost every blog post about New Zealand, and this one is no exception.
If you want to explore New Zealand to the fullest, you should rent a car. Or a campervan.
Having a car will give you the freedom to plan your New Zealand itinerary more carefully and visit more places in one day. Also note that public transport in New Zealand is not that great, which can complicate your travels a bit.
But even if you do not have a car, no worries, you can join a Pancake Rocks tour from Greymouth or a full-day West Coast tour with Pancake Rocks and Hokitika Gorge.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PANCAKE ROCKS
When we write about the best time to visit a popular place, we usually mention the time of the day or time of the year. However, these factors are not that relevant when it comes to visiting these incredible rock formations.
The best time to visit Pancake Rocks is during the high tide to see the blowholes along the way at its peak.
But even during the low tide, it's worth visiting Punakaiki, and we know that it's not possible to plan your day solely around tides timetable, especially if your itinerary is packed.
We visited the Pancake Rocks on a cloudy and rainy day when the sea was rougher than it usually is, and witnessed some epic splashes and swooshes.
So it is great to know there is not a bad time to visit this area, and even moody weather can enhance the experience.
Make sure you have camera ready.
And no matter how many days you will need to finish this epic drive along the West Coast, always allow yourself an extra day in case the weather is super bad. It took us a week to get from Wanaka to St. Arnaud because of rainy conditions.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING PANCAKE ROCKS
South Island's West Coast receives the most rain of the entire country, which means, that either a good waterproof jacket or rain poncho is a must to bring with you.
You also need a proper walking shoes, and we would leave jeans in your luggage for today, and wear something more water-resistant in case it's raining.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY ON THE WEST COAST
Although you can stay in Punakaiki, you might also look into other accommodation options along the way. On the West Coast, you will find cheap hostels, mid-range hotels, and motels, family-owned B&Bs, or luxury retreats.
Before you book your hotel room, decide on where you want to spend the night depending on your schedule, as there are plenty of options.
We've handpicked pleasant accommodations in four popular towns and villages on the road.
Westport | Pakington House BnB - Tired of staying in impersonal hotel chains? You can start your journey along the West Coast in this lovely B&B. The rooms are tidy and cozy, and the host is very welcoming, and this place is only a short walk from the main road, where are all the shops and restaurants.
Punakaiki | Punakaiki Beach Hostel - Great hostel with communal kitchen, amazing views, and superb location close to the beach. On top of that, the Pancake Rocks are within a walking distance. This hostel is a great place to stay for backpackers and budget-oriented travelers who don't mind to stay in a dormitory to save up on accommodation.
Greymouth | Scenicland Motels - Nice motel with clean rooms, comfortable beds and welcoming staff. The location of the motel on the main road is very convenient, and the rooms are quiet.
Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef Oasis - Luxurious, clean, spacious and comfortable rooms feature fireplace, spa bath, heated towel rails and soundproof walls. The hotel has a quiet location and is perfect for travelers who don't mind to spend a little bit extra on the accommodation.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
