Pancake rocks
The Pancake Rocks are a rock formation in Paparoa National Park on the South Island of New Zealand about 40 kilometers north of Greymouth . Located directly on the Tasman Sea , the rocks look like layered pancakes , which is how they got their name.
Emergence
Deposits of calcareous sediments and clay minerals layered on top of one another 30 million years ago erode at different rates. Since these deposits were lifted to the surface by land elevation and exposed to waves, wind and rain, the erosion has continued steadily. The water of the surf breaks on the numerous rock outcrops, in caves and washouts and pushes back-flowing water and air flowing through narrow holes and tubes in the rock, which is visible above the rocks as blowholes and audible through strong hissing in the air.
Access
A small, partially handicapped accessible circular path leads through these rock formations. From various platforms you have a direct view of the roaring and splashing surf holes. The Paparoa National Park information center is located directly at the entrance to Pancake Rocks. There is also a parking lot directly opposite the entrance on the passing New Zealand State Highway 6 .
Web links
Coordinates: 42 ° 7 ′ 7 ″ S , 171 ° 19 ′ 37 ″ E