Punakaiki (a.k.a. Pancake Rocks)

Punakaiki is a Maori word created by transliteration of the English word pancake. The rocks on this peninsula are a geological phenomenon in which layers of limestone and softer mud were layered, thrust upward by earthquake, and then the softer layers eroded away creating rock formations that look like a stack of pancakes. Thus the name Pancake Rocks.

The best time to visit the area is at high tide as that is when the blowholes are in full effect. Allow at least 45 minutes to walk the loop track around the area. This gives you time for a leisurely stroll with lots of photo opportunities.

You can't miss the entry to the walkway on the seaward side of State Highway 6, right opposite the Punakaiki café/gallery and DoC office. There's a large carpark at the northern end of the area (inland side) to help keep the road clear for through traffic.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DoC) have done a wonderful job bridging, paving, and signposting an easy walkway around the formations. Kirwin says it was disappointing to see so many tourists walk right past the green and gold donations box and not make any contribution. He put his $2 worth in on 22-Dec-2008. Zonk donates too even though she's already contributed to conservation via taxes.

A few minutes north of Punakaiki is the 30min Truman Walk, which leads through native bush to the end of a peninsula and down a wooden staircase to a sandy little cove. This walk is well worth doing. If you don't feel up to the staircase you still get this wonderful view of the cove.

Kirwin and Zonk stayed at the Punakaiki Resort, located at the southern end of the rocks area right on Punakaiki Beach (in real estate terms absolute beach front). It has a lovely restaurant facing southwest across the beach and is therefore perfect for romantic sunset dinners. There's a webcam on the roof above reception so you can see the view for yourself on their website. This is a green resort and the owners have gone the extra mile not to overly impact the environment at the site. Buidings were constructed around larger plants, and others were relocated as necessary. Cleaning products and complimentary bathroom items are ecologically friendly. Power supply is augmented with solar panels, and building materials used are also eco-friendly and sustainable. This was the view from Zonk's eco-suite.