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Punakaiki is a small village in New Zealand with fewer than 100 permanent residents. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, between Westport and Greymouth, you may be wondering why I’m even writing about it. Is Punakaiki really New Zealand’s coolest coastal stop? Maybe it is and let me tell you why!
What are the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes?
New Zealand is famous for its natural attractions and this unassuming village is no exception. Here you will find the epic pancake rocks, so called because they basically look like giant stacks of pancakes!
The curious rocks are limestone formations that were formed 30 million years ago. Remnants of dead marine creatures and plants settled on the sea bed and solidified. Areas of hard limestone and softer sandstone were created, making layers. Earthquakes then pushed the seabed high above the water and over millions of years, the wind, rain and corrosive sea spray sculpted these ‘pancakes’ that you see today.
The best time to visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is at high tide when you can watch the sea churn up waves below that crash into the rocks and spout water upwards through the blow holes. However if you can’t make the high tide, it is still an impressive natural beauty to see.
What to expect on the Pancake Rocks Track
The walk to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is a pleasant 20 minute loop (although much longer if you linger to take photos and videos like we did). Aside from a few optional steps on the walk, it is stroller and wheelchair friendly. This is also free to visit, although car parking charges apply.
The pancake rocks are much, much more impressive to view in person than in a photograph. Honestly, pictures don’t do it justice.
As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of greenery. Because Punakaiki sits on the edge of Paparoa National Park, it has a lush rainforest feel right next to the roaring ocean. It’s also fun to pose next to the tall native New Zealand flax that look like giant blades of grass and pretend that you have been shrunk haha!
Pancake Rocks Cafe
Of course, you can’t come all the way to Punakaiki and not indulge in some pancakes of the edible variety. Right opposite the entrance to the Pancake Rocks walk is the Pancake Rocks Cafe. We decided to go there for breakfast the following day, although the pancakes are available all day. There is a lot more than just pancakes on the menu, such as pizzas and soups. We opted for the breakfast time classics of streaky bacon served with maple syrup. And for the non meat eaters, there’s berries and cream. Not that cheap but probably the best breakfast we ate in New Zealand.
Additionally for the chocoholics out there, there are some chocolatey options on the menu too. Although for me, much too sickly for breakfast!
Punakaiki Top Tips
- Bring supplies. You are limited for food options in Punakaiki and if you are planning on cooking at your hostel, the nearest supermarket is in Westport or Greymouth, both of which are around a 40 minute drive.
- Similarly, if you are driving, make sure you have enough petrol because again, the nearest petrol stations are in Westport or Greymouth.
- Check the tides times, the blowholes are much more dramatic and exciting at high tide. You can find out more on the Tideschart website.
Accommodation in Punakaiki
Despite its small population, Punakaiki hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. If you are travelling New Zealand in peak season, then advance booking is recommended. As the South Island is quite spread out, we found that Punakaiki was the perfect stop to break up our journey. We travelled from Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef and found it to be the ideal overnight stopping point on our South Island itinerary.
If you’re on a budget or just looking for a beach hostel in Punakaiki, then my personal recommendation is Punakaiki Beach Hostel. This beachside accommodation has sea views and private rooms are also available. This hostel has free parking and wifi. Plus it is around a 15 minute walk to the pancake rocks and blowholes track.
Other things to do in Punakaiki
If you’re intending on spending a little longer in this part of the country, then Punakaiki has some other spots for exploring.
- Paparoa Experience: an immersive and interactive museum experience learning about the history and culture of Paparoa National Park.
- The Pororari River: Located in Paparoa National Park, the Pororari River Track is a popular walk. Or alternatively, you can hire a kayak and see the sights from the river instead.
- The Truman Track: A 30 minute round trip walk that takes you through subtropical rainforest out onto a spectacular rugged beach.
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The rock formations are amazing – I would love to see these close up. Glad you enjoyed your pancakes – it seems very appropriate, doesn’t it?
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
I would have been disappointed if there hadn’t been any edible pancakes ;-9
I loved visiting Punakaiki – looks like you got better weather than us, we had rain the entire time we were there, but loved it. Missed out on the pancakes though, darn it!
We were incredibly lucky as we had lovely weather the day we saw the rocks. The next day when we went for pancakes it was pouring down!