The South Island—Westport to Hokitika February 18, 2025

Pancake Rocks and Hokitika Gorge, February 18, 2025

This is a one night stay. I wanted to break up the drive down the west coast to Fox Glacier and Haast before crossing the mountains to Wanaka.

So, the plan was to visit Pancake Rocks and the blowholes at Punakaiki after leaving Westport, taking our time driving and stopping wherever. I'm hoping we'll have time to walk Hokitika Gorge before it gets too late, but if not we'll do that before driving to Fox Glacier.

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Wohoo! Our day turned out as planned. We drove Highway 6 and enjoyed spectacular views of the Tasman Sea on the twisty-turny road. It was worth it! We walked the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk and even made it to Hokitika Gorge Bridge and back just before the rain arrived.

If you come to the south island of New Zealand, you have to drive the west coast. It is spectacular!

Not sure this or the next shot shows...

...the winding road so just trust me; it is!

At Panuakaiki the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes loop trail begins with this reminder.

Close up shot of sedimentary layers.

This Weka bird was in the parking lot.

Checked into Stumpers Hotel after making the Hokitika Gorge walk and it was only 3PM. We were relieved to have sunny weather on the coastal drive before the rains came. As predicted they started about 2:30PM just as we finished the Hokitika Gorge walk. Close call.