Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
4.5
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- stellamay218 contributionsBeautiful, amazing and stunning scenery a must see.Wow! a Must see. We visited recently after touring New Zealand. The walk took us much longer than the information says because of the photo opportunities along the walk but we didn't mind. The drive out to Pancake Rocks takes about 40-45 minutes from Greymouth and there is a reasonably large car park cafes and souvenirs shops across the road from the entrance. The walk out to view the rocks is easily accessible (one direction) for those in wheelchairs and with walking difficulties and requires able bodied persons the other direction. A warning it is very windy so go in warm clothes and hold on to your hats, I was wearing a beanie and it nearly blew right of my head. But absolutely stunning scenery which ever way you look. Amazing location and the route out from Greymouth is very photographic as well.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2023
- PDWEBAuckland Central, New Zealand28 contributionsAmazing pancake rocksThis is an incredible piece of nature that is well worth the visit. Really well set up with easy parking and very good facilities the real reason to be here is the beautiful and very unique rock formations that are the Pancake rocks. They weren’t blowing when we were there but still a very lovely place to visit and fascinating to look at. We were lucky enough to see a pair of the very rare Hectors dolphins playing in the bay which was an added bonusVisited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 January 2024
- Prantik BeraKolkata (Calcutta), India188 contributionsWonderful scenic viewpoints and lovely sunsetWe were there during the sunset time. The pancake rocks area is really interesting in terms of rock formation and erosion by the sea and wind. The walk is pretty simple and there are multiple viewpoints scattered along the route. When the sun shines on the rocks it really creates a wonderful photo opportunity. Punakaiki is also a nice little town to stay for a night. The pancake rocks viewing area is highly recommended if visiting Punakaiki.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 January 2024
- MomelcoDenver, Colorado558 contributionsShort Walk and Stunning ViewsUnique, short hike to view the pancake rocks and blowholes on a well-maintained path. There are multiple spots on the path with historical facts and plenty of photo opportunities. Highly recommend this short hike if you’re in the area – it’s stunning! Across the street you will find the visitor’s center, toilets, an ice cream shop and restaurant. There are plenty of parking for cars and camper vans.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 March 2024
- Theresa DPerth, Australia1,129 contributions20 minute loop with a lot of stairs!!We did enjoy walking through the rain forest at the beginning and end of the loop. Along the way there were plenty of viewing spots and plenty of wonders to see at all of them. The information on the sign at the entrance says the walk is about twenty minutes but it takes a lot longer with the stops to see the different aspects of the rocks and blowholes. Might need more info about the distance to the exit, a drink fountain and a toilet nearbyVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 March 2024
- jjo829 contributionsDo the walkWe went twice, once a low tide and once near high tide. No real blow hole action. However, the rock formations were more than enough to take the full walk. The trail is easy and really nicely done.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2024
- Sparcs07Epsom, United Kingdom1,208 contributionsReally unusual interesting sightseeing stopWith an incredible views of the coast line, Pancake Rocks is location 30-40mins drive from Greymouth. A easy place to stop and view unusual tick formations and blow holes . Great places to take pictures, and good local coffee shopsVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2024
- Trippax2Gosford, Australia76 contributionsGreat place with spectacular views.The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk is about a 40 minute easy drive north of Greymouth. Well worth a visit, with the path walk (20-30 minutes) is a must. The rock formations are amazing and the day my husband and I visited the blowholes were in action. Some of the walk does have stairs, which could be a challenge for some.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2024
- Dale JNapier, New Zealand204 contributionsTop NotchBeautiful spot. Good parking and facilities that are being upgraded even further. The walk itself is easy, short and spectacular. The boardwalks are nice and most of it is wheelchair accessible. Weka hang about in the carpark. Don't feed them please!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2024
- Janka KBrno, Czech Republic8,287 contributionsNot so long, but surely an interesting walk through the old rock formationsYou can see the rocks from a regular road on the way to the paid walk. There are even parking places to take off from you car and take some pictures. The paid walk itself is something for about 30 minutes, taking you in between few of these rocks, making the experience more intensive and the rocks much closer. In any case, I see this almost like a hidden gem of South Island, as it wasn't necessarily on my bucket list for New Zealand. But I stopped at the place anyway, and enjoying it a lot, in the end.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 April 2024
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4.5
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GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,660 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Just south of Westport these rock formations are definitely worth the stop. The rocks are great and the surging sea makes for a dramatic accomplice. The short walk from the road is easy with much of the path surround by native planting. #nzforfree
Written 4 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand904 contributions
July 2020
Absolutely loved how this has been made so easy for people to safely look around. There is a parking lot off to the right (after cafe) which I could imagine getting very full when tourists are around. It was busy when we we there and its the middle of winter! Take care crossing the road and the access into the area is well sign posted and can have a stroller or wheelchair. Good information boards scattered around which were really interesting to read. You can hear the power of the ocean! The loop walk around is lovely but there are stairs also if you want to go a bit further. Beautiful place to see the magic of nature and hear the power of the ocean, the blow hole was really good. High tide would be the best time to get full benefit. The cafe over the road is nice for a drink afterwards too. Saw our first Weka here wandering around in the carpark. Allow at least an hour to wander around.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noeline M
Christchurch, New Zealand1,102 contributions
Sept 2020
AMAZING Pancake Rocks at Dolomite Point at Punakaiki, it is a limestone area with sea bursts through several vertical Blowholes, the history of this area is amazing .. The walkway through this area is amazing with great outlook views & information sites . You are looking out to the Tasman Sea . When walking around the walkway the weird shapes sculpted by sea & wind are something to be seen. It can be very cold out there so lots of warm cloths ( we were very lucky with the weather & it was a very warm hot day ) . It is a 40min scenic coastal drive from Greymouth with lots of area to pull over for viewing. This is a Must to See.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoeliacAdventurer
Brampton, UK195 contributions
May 2020
Lovely visit to these amazing rock formations! Beautiful sunny day, really great for seeing detail in the rock formations. And due to Covid, it wasn't even too busy! You can park up nearby, close to the DOC i-Site, and easily walk from there across the road to the rock formations. A short path takes you around the site and back in a loop. The path is mostly flat, but there are a few parts that are rocky underfoot, so may not be suitable for everyone.
I would recommend going at high tide or on a slightly stormy day to see the blowholes at their best. I went on a calm day, and while it was still good, it was clear that bigger seas make for a better experience!
I would recommend going at high tide or on a slightly stormy day to see the blowholes at their best. I went on a calm day, and while it was still good, it was clear that bigger seas make for a better experience!
Written 5 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodz04
Adelaide, Australia269 contributions
Dec 2019
We came to Pancake Rocks with no expectations, it was quickly evident what a beautiful natural wonder it is. The boardwalk and viewing platforms are well maintained and there is plenty of room to move. The limestone rock formations were interesting from every angle, the tide was out so the blowhole was wasn't blowing. Don't forget your camera!
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamin Travels
Birmingham14 contributions
Feb 2020
The pancake rocks are an incredible array of rock formations that are flat like pancakes. There is a lovely walk around these rocks and the pools below. Unfortunately, we didn't see any blow holes, but we were told that it only happens at certain times of the year. It was still well worth the visit.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Found_Lost_Key
New Zealand1,192 contributions
Apr 2021
A must do when in the area. Plenty of free parking for both cars and campervans/trailers. Toilets are behind the visitor centre. We heard a kiwi calling out behind the toilets while we were there. This is a free attraction. The blow holes are in full action at high tides. A nice walkway that provides multiple views and is wheelchair accessible to nearly all of the area.
A couple of shops nearby for food and drinks and souvenirs. We spent about 45 mins there with stops for photos etc.
A couple of shops nearby for food and drinks and souvenirs. We spent about 45 mins there with stops for photos etc.
Written 5 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DGS05
Wellington, New Zealand95 contributions
Aug 2020
These natural formations are equal to anything else like this in the world. Blowhole, rocks, watching the ocean waves is astounding and magical. Words can hardly describe how fantastic this place is.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonza192
Invercargill, New Zealand138 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Wow. I came here 40 years ago as a kid and it’s as amazing as ever. A must do. Can’t believe this is a free activity. Anywhere else in the world they would have it blocked off and you’d pay $120+ for a family. Lovely 20 minute walk with multiple photo opportunities
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoadTripRoger
Putnam, CT592 contributions
Apr 2019
We enjoy a hike around a park trail to view the Pancake Rocks, a limestone formation of distinctly layered rock resembling stacks of pancakes. There are also blowholes here -- deep recessed rock inlets into which water rushes in at high tide, creating thundering noises and sometimes jets of water thrown high in the air. No blowhole action today, as the sea is relatively calm, but the light cast by the setting sun is especially pretty.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings, thank you for your post. Is it necessary to go on a tour of these items or can you just hike on your own to them? thank you,
Nicole
Written 19 June 2019
Nicole, just park up (free), cross the road (carefully, as the traffic can be fairly fast by NZ standards), and stroll round at your own pace. High tide times is a good tip.
Written 20 June 2019
Hi, wir wĂĽrden gerne wissen um wieviel Uhr genau die Flut ist, um den Blowhole-Effekt mitzubekommen. Danke
Written 24 December 2018
Hallo! Wollt Ihr die Pancakes bei Flut sehen mĂĽsst Ihr nur vor Ort auf den aktuellen Zeitplan der Gezeiten schauen! Ăśbers Internet, im TouristenbĂĽro oder der dortigen Tageszeitung
Written 25 December 2018
Hi, I'm interested at visiting the Pancake Rocks with my grandparents, which one of them will be using a wheelchair and another can only walk at a very slow pace. From what I seen from online pictures and video, there's a very well-built path leading to the Pancake Rocks, may I know if that's the case and is there any steps along the way?
Written 26 November 2018
The track is wheelchair accessible! there are a few steps towards the end of the loop past the viewpoint, but you could just turn around and go back the way you came!
Written 27 November 2018
I'd like to take the intercity to punakaiki, stay in town and spend a few days walking around the national park and sea shore. Without a car, can I get into the national park? It looks like there are no shuttles.
Written 14 November 2018
I had a car when I visited area. It might be best to contact Paparoa National Park Visitor Information Centre (google for details) and check with them for options.
Written 14 November 2018
I'm sorry, but I suspect what you saw were Weka, rather than Kiwi. They look similar in colour & size, but Kiwi are rarely seen and only come out at night. Thanks for the review though.
Written 26 December 2016
Who said anything about seeing kiwi? I went back and read my review and there is no mention of any birds. We did see white fronted terns nesting in the rocks which I did not mention since they were a bit far away.
Written 27 December 2016
Hi, I am on a very tight schedule. When would be the best time to visit the pancake rocks- morning or afternoon ?
Written 20 September 2015
The best time to visit is an hour either side of high tide as that is when the blowhole is most spectacular. I suggest you do some research on tide times before your visit.
Written 27 December 2016
Ed O
New York City, New York
I won't have a car, si how do I get from Greymouth to Pancake Rock?
Written 17 February 2015
There should be a bus leaving from Greymouth. or go to the information centre in Greymouth and see if there is a tour bus.
Written 26 February 2015
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