The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track is an incredible experience to be had in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Situated along the wild and rugged coastline of the West Coast, these unique limestone formations have been sculpted by the relentless forces of nature over time and are truly amazing to photograph.

The name 'pancake rocks' comes from the layers of flat, pancake like rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years. The most captivating (and guaranteed to give you a fright if you're not prepared) feature of Punakaiki Pancake Rocks is the stunning blowholes that send powerful plumes of water skyward, a dramatic display best witnessed during high tide or when the sea is at its most turbulent.

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks track offers plenty of beautiful compositions along the way and is a very easy 1.1km loop track that usually only takes around 20 minutes if you're not stopping for photos. Carparking is available across the road at the small outdoor shopping centre and then you will need to cross the State Highway to get to the start of the walk.

Photography info: Visit at golden hour during the morning or afternoon for beautiful light and be sure to take with you a wide angle lens (16-35mm or similar) to capture the entire scene and a zoom lens (70-200mm or similar) to get a close up of the waves if the surf is pumping.