Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes, Marvel at Nature's Artistry in Stone and Surge
Paparoa National Park, New Zealand
4.4
Introduction
Punakaiki, located about 50 kilometers north of Greymouth, boasts natural pancake rocks, which were formed by the long-term impact and erosion of seawater and showcase the magical work of nature. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular pancake rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki village for free, which were formed by sedimentation and crustal movement in the seabed about 30 million years ago. To the south is Paparoa National Park, known for its limestone karst landforms. Over the years, small marine organisms and sand layers alternated and were buried on the seabed, forming layers of hard limestone and soft sandstone. After natural weathering, hundreds of columns finally emerged between the cliffs, forming a spectacular scene resembling giant layers of pancakes. According to scientists, the formation of pancake rocks dates back about 35 million years ago, when the sea level and temperature were suitable for the growth of shellfish and other marine organisms. Due to earthquakes, mudslides, floods, and other reasons, marine organisms died and were deposited, forming limestone and shale. As a natural wonder on the west coast of New Zealand, pancake rocks will eventually be reclaimed by the sea as it continues to erode and dissolve the offshore rocks. Address Paparoa National Park, New Zealand
Opening hours 24 hours
Tourist center from 9:00 to 16:30.
Transportation Departing from Greymouth, drive north along SH6 coastal highway for about 42 kilometers (approximately 40 minutes by car); or take a bus departing from Greymouth around 13:20, stopping at Punakaiki, but if you want to return, you need to wait until the next day at noon, and the fare is about 25 New Zealand dollars.
Layer upon layer of rocks piled up like this
