Dolomite Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

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Saturday 13th April - late afternoon

We see tall ferns growing by the wayside, snow on mountaintops, very low-lying clouds and strange birds.

On to Dolomite Pancake Rocks and blowholes lying between Greymouth and Westport. This is a sight not to be missed where the waves have created amazing blowholes and flat, pancake like rocks have formed in the limestone and sandstone; where the waves crash into them with such force you wonder what’s causing the sound like cannons booming every few moments until the moment you see the waves rush through a tunnel and up through a blowhole. It’s an awesome spectacle.

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Photos

Weka Bird
in the parking lot at Dolomite Rocks

Punakaiki
entrance to Pancake Rocks

Pancake Rocks
amazing formations

Nikau Palm
along the walk to the rocks

sea bird
close-up view

huge pool formed by the waves
the rock in the centre gets covered by the sea each time the waves enter

sea pushing up through a blowhole
waves splashing up through the blowhole

the winding walk
photographers wait for hours to capture the right moment for a stunning photo

sea streaming off the rocks
moments ago these high rocks were covered by the waves

Comments

[Ellie Chamas]

Just past midnight
It's May 5th (barely) here in Fitchburg, and I've just caught up to your latest postings, Mel. You are making me feel like I am right there with you and Howard, except I don't have to do any of the climbing, so well done! You are doing an amazing job capturing the trip in both your descriptions and your photos, just fabulous. Keep them coming! Ellie

[Mel and Howard]

Pancake Rocks
Hi Ellie, I had no idea you were reading some of these. Thanks so much for your lovely comment and I'll do my best to keep them up.