Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks

At Punakaiki the sea has carved the limestone into stacks that look like piles of pancakes, and at high tide the blowholes put on a show. Rainforest runs right down to the coast here, so you can walk from nīkau palms to crashing surf in minutes.

It's a natural stop on the West Coast road between the glaciers and the top of the South Island. Expect dramatic weather and proper wilderness — pack for rain and sandflies.