My wife Trudy and I have always wanted to travel to New Zealand, and after a lot of research, we decided that the best way to see a lot of the country was to travel by campervan. We took up the challenge in 2023 and after logging more than 4000 kms (roughly 2500 miles) we concluded that this was one of our best trips ever.
One of the stops along the way was this fascinating, natural area known as the Pancake Rocks. It’s located on the west coast of the South Island at Dolomite Point near the town of Punakaiki in the Paparoa National Park. The weather wasn’t the best that day, it was cloudy, rainy and a little cool, however, that didn’t deter us. A short, paved walk, (the Pancake Rock and Blowholes Walk) is just over a kilometer and loops back to the entrance. With the exception of some steps that veer off track, the main path, is accessible to all, (wheelchair included) and there’s no entrance fee. The walk can be done in 25 minutes, but why rush it. Even with the rain, we took our time and enjoyed seeing the beauty and the power of nature.
On to the next stop, Pancake Rocks & Blowholes in Punakaiki. 
The pathway is accessible to all. 
Bridge crossing a surge pool.
As we walked the trail, we marveled at the multiple stacks of limestone rocks, purported to be millions of years old, somewhat eroded but beautifully layered. The surf was rough and wild and as the sea rushes in, it shoots its spray into the sky through a series of surge pools and blowholes.
Blowhole.
Pancake steps.
Close up of the steps. 
Rugged coastline. 
Pancake stack.
The Pancake Rocks Cafe is located right across the street, so after our rain-soaked walk, we relaxed there with a nice pizza lunch.
An interesting tidbit about New Zealand that we weren’t aware of. When we visited this area, it was on a public holiday. Some restaurant employers offer their employees an extra 15 percent to work on the holidays and to offset that added labour cost, a 15 percent “public holiday surcharge” is added to your bill.
We normally don’t travel to the same countries twice, but New Zealand is one we would definitely return to.
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You explored by campervan? How exciting! I daydream of exploring that way someday, and after visiting Canada, I think that may be the first country I try it in, but definitely in the summer. New Zealand has such beautiful landscapes. Great pictures. Would love to visit someday.
It was amazing. We went in April which is autumn for them, (southern hemisphere, opposite seasons) We spent a month and toured both the north and south islands. The country is so clean, it was three days before we saw the first piece of trash on the road. Everything was top notch, the roads, signage, viewing areas, campgrounds, lots of great hiking which I know you’ll love. With all the driving I did, (Trudy was the navigator) and even though there were some long stretches, we were never tired or bored because the scenery was so spectacular, You should definitely do it.