A Tall Stack of Pancake (Rocks)

These extraordinary limestone formations were created by a combination of seismic activity over 30 million years ago and coastal erosion ever since. The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks now jut out of the shoreline to provide beautifully complex rocky patterns.

We were told that under special circumstances the ocean surges into the massive coves and blasts up through blowholes in the rock structures. The ideal conditions for viewing require a high tide with a strong Westerly swell… exactly our situation!

From here it’s on down the coast for six plus hours of curvy coastal roads with stops at the Glaciers, and maybe even a helicopter ride if the weather cooperates… the coppers won’t go up with passengers if it’s raining, cloudy, or really windy. We’ve got our fingers crossed for good weather.

Check out all the photos here along with pictures from our drive down the coast.