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Key facts
- Distance
- 1.1 km loop
- Walking time
- 30 min loop
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Paparoa National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk that's great for children.
This DOC directory entry covers Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk in West Coast, within Paparoa National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.1 km loop
- Walking time: 30 min loop
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This is an all-weather walk around the curious limestone formations of pancake rocks and blowholes. With the exception of an optional short section with steps, the walk is suitable for wheelchairs (with assistance).
Blowholes form from a mixture of compressed water and air escaping through the caverns below and being forced upwards, creating a huge wall of spray. They are at their best around high tide when there is a south-westerly swell.
Spectacular views, geological oddities, coastal forest, rich birdlife and marine mammals are highlights along this walk.
Getting there
The walk is at Dolomite Point, near the little settlement of Punakaiki on SH6. It's 44 km north of Greymouth and 57 km south of Westport.
Car parking fees
DOC charges fees for car parking at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
The fees are $2.50 per half hour or $20 a day. If you arrive and leave within 10 minutes, parking is free. If you plan to stay for longer than 10 minutes you must pay on arrival.
Payment machines that accept debit and credit cards are highly visible at each site. Cash payments are not accepted.
Locals and other car park users can purchase an annual permit. Permits cannot be purchased at the payment machines and need to be purchased online.
How to pay fees or buy an annual permit.
Know before you go
Visitors can not climb on the rocks as it is unsafe and to protect nesting birds and rare lepidium plants. Keep to the formed path and don't go beyond safety barriers.
Because the return track suddenly emerges on the highway make sure children are not running ahead.
A lifebelt near Sudden Sound Blowhole is a reminder that it's very dangerous to stray from the track and to take special care of children.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Drone use on conservation land
Nature and conservation
The Pancake Rocks are most spectacular in the Putai area. They were formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed. Mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater sculpted the bizarre shapes.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
