Punakaiki
Pancake Rocks
Punakaiki
Punakaiki is famous for its Pancake Rocks: limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. The Rocks formed when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited onto the seabed and then covered by weaker layers of soft mud and clay. Earthquakes then raised the seabed above sea to form the cliffs and coastline. Since then the sea, wind and rain have etched out the soft layers to form the extraordinary rock formations of today. When conditions are right, heavy ocean swells burst into the caverns beneath the rocks, causing huge water spouts to blast skywards through the blowholes in a truly fantastic sight.
The small west coast settlement of Punakaiki offers a range of restaurants, galleries and activities such as horse treks, canoe rental, caving, guided walks and rafting adventures. Punakaiki is also home to many artisans who make jewelry, carvings, paintings and pottery. Within a few minutes drive are many hikes for various fitness levels – take a 10 minute stroll along the beach or an overnight trek into the heart of the Paparoa National Park.
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Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki Resort
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Rick Garrett
I’m a Professional Travel Adviser with over 40 years of travel industry experience. The countries I specialize in include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia (aka Tahiti), and the Cook Islands. I’ve made dozens of trips to the South Pacific so am able to provide you with first hand knowledge and experience while creating the custom itinerary that is perfect for YOU, and then take care of everything from A to Z, before, during and after your amazing Down Under adventure. Because the journeys I create for my clients are born out of my desire to share my authentic travel experiences, each one is unique, and designed to match your interests, tastes and budget.