The CJ way Guide to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

 AT A GLANCE 

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Layered, pancake rock formations on the coast

Punakaiki

15 mins walk from parking

Easy

Free

Best time to visit: golden hour/sunset and high tide for the blow hole

Jandals suitable

 WHERE IS THIS EXACTLY? 

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• Coordinates of the trail: -42.114124, 171.326444

• Coordinates of parking: -42.114554, 171.330174

• Park in the carpark and follow the marked track (it’s a 1.1km loop).

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 best time to visit? 

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• When sunset coincides with high tide!

• We believe the evening golden light right through to sunset gives the best light, and high tide means the blowholes are in action and any shots with water through the gorge/gap look will better.

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 cj travel tips 

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• Arrive early and walk the entire loop first looking at all the different angles. Then go back to where you think looked the best! It can be a little overwhelming here, so allow yourself some time to scope! We personally preferred the first section of the walk and where the blow hole is. 

• Be prepared for lots of people here as it's always very busy!

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 cj photography tips 

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• We find the pancake rocks one of the hardest spots in New Zealand to photograph. Mostly because your vantage points are limited to the track/path and it’s hard to create depth in your shots. 

• A panorama is a good option here to balance the rocks, ocean and sky in your frame.

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 what we found useful to pack 

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​In addition to the usuals (camera gear, suitable clothing, water and food, first aid, etc.) we found the following items useful:

• windproof jacket. For some reason this walk always seems super windy haha.