Pancake Rocks and Dolomite Point

The Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes at Dolomite Point in Punakaiki on the West Coast are predominantly limestone, worn and sculptured by the weather and sea, leaving unique stacks resembling pancakes layered on top of each other.

The walk starts just opposite the information centre, and is easy to follow with arrows guiding your way.

The sealed track is very well maintained and is suitable, with some assistance, for wheelchairs. The Department of Conservation has installed information boards at locations of interest along the track.

At the coastline, the track has many lookouts and areas for fantastic photos to be taken of the Pancake Rocks, blowholes, and beautiful views of the coast and mountains.

The blowholes, the main attraction of the walkway, are active at high tide – check in at the i-SITE Visitors Centre for times. When a heavy sea swell is running, saltwater is pushed at great force through holes in the limestone rock, exiting as a fine spray mist many metres above sea-level. The blowholes at full blast are an amazing sight.