New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

A lively town, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Oceania

Welcome to the New Zealand travel pages. In this faraway country, you can expect a harmonious mixture of lakes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation... New Zealand is isolated in the middle of the ocean and is located halfway between the South Pole and the Equator. Even though it’s small in area (about the size of the UK), it has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Nature lovers are in paradise here. But this paradise is earned: you’ll have to spend long hours on an airplane to get here, and you can count on having 10 to 12 hours of jet lag once you arrive, depending on the season... But this land, which the Maori first called “Aotearoa,” the land of the long white cloud, is really worth the trip: abundant and diverse nature, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities… It’s all convenient for travellers: one of the advantages of this destination is the small size of the country, which makes all this beauty accessible, starting from your first trip to New Zealand. Your hunger for the great outdoors and desire for peace and serenity will be satisfied.

New Zealand

Auckland

Sitting by a lake in a region steeped in Maori culture, this town is a hive of geothermal activity.

Rotorua

Taupo is a small, lively town best known for its lake, which bears the same name and is the largest in New Zealand.

Taupo

With three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a must for any hiking fan or visitors interested in exploring a volcanic landscape.

Tongariro National Park

Situated on the west coast of South Island, Pancake Rocks is a geological wonder formed by marine deposits.

Pancakes Rocks

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<a href="/new-zealand/">New Zealand's west coast has a lot on offer</a> and Pancakes Rock is both loud and dramatic. Since time immemorial, the tide has and continues to 'sculpt' these rocks, giving them their unusual appearance. The Tasman Sea floods natural caves with such a force that geysers explode and the noise is thunderous. As for their name...some believe it's because they resemble pancakes in the rocks, others believe it comes from the American prononciation of their indigenous name, 'Punakaiki'. I loved the walk that overlooks the rocks. It has a great view of the formation, as well as the coast, which stretches along the horizon. You'll also see wekas, native chicken-sized birds that are particularly feisty! As this is a tourist trap, I recommend you take your time and find a point where you can watch the spectacle and hear the crashing waves; this really is the most amazing, savage swimming pool.

Situated on the west coast of South Island, Pancake Rocks is a geological wonder formed by marine deposits.

They are eroded, limestone formations made from dead marine life and sit among waves that crash onto their rocks. Throw in a menacing sky and you can't help but be amazed by the sight of the Pancake Rocks. They fit in perfectly with the West Coast landscape that is lined with steep cliffs and wind swept beaches. I personally found Pancake Rocks spectacular. A 20 minute walk (often packed with tourists) will get you to the site. You can extend your walk by taking the Punakaiki-Pororari trail, which runs along the Pororari River.  I equally enjoyed the walk to Truman Beach, which has its own share of astonishing rock formations.  Be careful of the wekas on the Pancake Rocks' parking lot! They are flightless birds and excellent thieves. They won't hesitate to jump in your car and grab your glasses, your towel or any snack they find lying around...

An amazing geological phenomenon on the West Coast and a must see <a href="/new-zealand/">during a trip to New Zealand</a>.

Pancakes Rocks Vacations

Pancakes Rocks: How to get there?

Pancakes Rocks: See when to go ?

Pancakes Rocks: For how long?

Pancakes Rocks: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations