| We were very lucky the day we visited the Pancake Rocks and
Blowholes: the tide was high and the seas were up. A sunny day would have made it perfect. Pancake
Rocks are layered limestone stacks that have been slowly carved by the sea into fantastic
shapes and deep crags and crevices. Some of the caves and caverns drilled beneath the
cliffs have, over the sea pounded years, collapsed. When the waves enter these ancient
caverns they shatter against the rocks spraying up into the air. There are narrow passages
out of the caves that first emit a roar and then a spray of salt water. On a stormy day
this is awesome. |
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One roofless cavern close to the edge of the cliffs is particularly
spectacular. All is peaceful as a trough of a wave pulls out and we wait
expectantly at the viewing platform above the chasm.
Out at sea the rows of incoming waves are visible and we wait for the higher
seventh wave to approach. |
| Then with a roar of a steam locomotive and an explosive whoosh the
wave hits the rocks and sprays upwards and outwards. We get the taste of
Tasman salt on our lips as the misty spray wafts over us. Trying to take a picture and at
the same time protecting the camera lens from the mist is difficult. Vlad keeps having to
wipe the lens. |
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As the wave recedes again, waterfalls by the dozen cascade from the rocky
ledges.
The whole cycle repeats itself over and over. It is quite mesmerizing. We had a
hard time leaving the viewing platform |
| The narrow fissures to the caves below cause spouts in true blowhole fashion.
This one is almost 100 meters from the edge of the cliffs. The cave system beneath our
feet is huge. There is a blowhole even further away that only spouts
when the seas are exceptionally high. Most of the time, a deep subterranean roar emanates
from the blowhole as the seas enter the caves and compress the air which is forced out of
the holes. The earth moans and trembles. |
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Native palms mingle with flax along the path to the blowholes. The Nikau Palm
is the southern most species in the world and unique to New Zealand. It
is quite pretty with leaves pointing upwards instead of drooping like other palms. Sorry,
no coconuts on this one! |
| Paula standing in steps cut out of the limestone pancakes. Scientists have not
adequately explained how and why the limestone formed in this manner at this particular
outcropping. Good, I'm tired of having everything explained. Just enjoy the natural beauty
for once. |
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S/V
TETHYS