Sunday, November 10th, Afternoon - Day 62 - Pancake Rocks

Pancake Rocks
The afternoon was spent at Punakaiki and stopped at the Pancake Rocks, a part of the Paparoa National Park, and went along the magnificent coast path.  The rocks, and the surf, were spectacular and they had done a beautiful coastal walk that took about 15-20 minutes to walk.  There were several cafes, a large tourist shop, etc.  Munroe and I both bought hats!

The Pancake rocks are a geological marvel formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants that landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface.  Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers.  An added attraction is the blowhole in the rocks where water spouts shoot up when the tide is in and the wave action is strong.  While we didn't see any blowhole action, the rocks themselves were amazing as were the scenes of water rushing in and out of the gaps in the tall rock formations.  Loved the seabirds roosting on outcroppings.  

   

We got back 'home' around 4pm and had a leisurely late afternoon.  We had some of the magnificent beetroot rubbed smoked salmon from High Country Salmon (Twizel) and crackers.  As usual, the day ended in front of the tv - MKR and 7 Periods with Mr. Gormsby!  A slow but good day - on a trip of this duration and intensity, you have to have slow days and pace yourself!