Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, South Island, New Zealand

5ShirishParanjape 5:00 PM Dec 9, 2022

Unique, mesmerizing, and free!
A unique place to experience and enjoy the wonders of nature…absolutely free!! We had visited this place in Dec 2002 and didn’t remember much from that visit. This recent visit in Dec 2022 was a sheer delight - in about 30 minutes one gets to experience the wonder of nature, when no two moments are the same. The track over the blow-holes is superbly done, it helps to get great views. What you cannot see, you can hear! It is truly a treat for senses. What’s more, such a marvellous attraction is absolutely free for everyone to enjoy.

4wucie 5:00 PM Mar 9, 2020

Well worth stopping
The eroded limestone rocks which make up this attraction are a real magnet, drawing visitors from far and wide. While I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit them, they do lie right beside the only road (Highway 6) down the west coast of the south island, so it’s definitely worth stopping (and even spending the night) if you’re passing through. Entrance is free too, plus there is a large parking, as well as a tasty/tasteful restaurant/gift shop right opposite. It’s a leisurely 1.1 km clockwise loop along a paved, wheel/pushchair friendly path (though there is a section of steps with alternative route) with panels indicating the various blowholes and providing information on the area's fauna and flora. The views out to sea and down the coast are spectacular and the layered rocks are very photogenic. It’s open throughout daylight hours, so if you’re staying locally, you can go back to take even more scenic sunset shots. If you’re lucky you might also catch sight of native birds and marine mammals. Tip: the blowholes are most active at high tide; the eponymous cafe serves good food and the Hydrangea Cottages just down the road are a great place to stay.