Punakaiki

These ‘Pancake Rocks’ at Punakaiki, (956km south of Westport) were created by both the sea and rainwater attacking the joints of a huge coastal outcrop of limestone rock; producing these weird carved shapes. There are a couple of pretty impressive blow holes, when the tide and weather are right. The underlying limestone rock is covered with luxuriant native Bush, and is part of the Paparoa National Park.

The whole area around Punakaiki is noted for its many easy walks (middle image), its long stretches of scenic and empty beaches (maintained that way by very diligent sand flies), and for being the southern-most reach of any palm species (the native Nikau palm).

Across the road from the Pancake Rocks track, (which has over 300,000 visitors annually), the Nikau Palms Cafe is situated near the DoC Visitors centre; and serves light meals and snacks. The DoC Centre is full of geological and botanical information; and for souvenirs, the Art and Craft Gallery next door is good value. For a completely ‘away from it all’ stay, the Te Nikau Retreat is highly recommended.

Punakaiki itself is a small seaside holiday village; there are a couple of motels such as the Paparoa Park Motel and a DoC Youth Hostel. Even though the Pancake Rocks are a popular tourist attraction, Punakaiki is very low key, as most of the tourists just drive through after visiting the Rocks, rather than stay. The beaches are long, silvery, and empty. But, as stated before; that’s how the sand flies like it!