The best time for the blowholes to perform at their best at Punakaiki Rocks is for the following to be at optimum.

At the peak of high tide, and an on-shore wind blowing the waves into shore. If both of those things are happening you should get a good show.

About the West Coast, New Zealand

Naturally located on the west coast of the South Island, 'The Coast' as it is known, is made up of three districts: Buller, Grey and Westland. Major townships include Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika and those that live there are known to New Zealanders as 'Coasters'.

The West Coast region is rugged and stretches from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south, a distance of 600 km. The mighty Southern Alps feature on the east and the Tasman sea to the west creating wild coastlines and stunning mountainous backdrops. The West Coast is dense in native bush. Main scenic attractions include the Haast Pass, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the Coast road drive between Westport and Greymouth, Lake Brunner, Tauranga Bay, and the Heaphy Track.

The West Coast has five National Parks within its boundaries. In fact, almost 90% of the land on the West Coast is administered by the Department of Conservation of New Zealand.

Five National Parks
Kahurangi
Paparoa
Arthur's Pass
Westland
Mount Aspiring

The West Coast provides a great opportunity for adventure with beach and forest walks for all abilities, jet skiing, glacier walks, scenic flights, mountain biking, tourism experiences, caving, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, jet boating, horse trekking, fishing, gold panning, and many more West Coast like adventures.

Industries on the West Coast include mining (coal and gold) forestry and wood processing, also fishing, tourism and farming. Other industries include the manufacture and sale of greenstone jewellery, sphagnum moss and stone-collection for garden landscaping.

Places to stay

The West Coast has a variety of accommodation to suit everyone. From motels, backpackers, Lodges, B&B's, Hotels, and camping grounds/Holiday Parks, all needs are looked after. The accommodation stretches all the way down the Coast, from top to bottom. The main centres of Westport, Hokitika, and Greymouth have the biggest concentrations but in most of the numerous smaller towns you find on the West Coast you can usually find some type of accommodation. Plus it will all be run by friendly, no-problems-at-all, eager to help owners/operators.

Climate

The region is known for its high rainfall due to the prevailing northwesterly wind and position the Southern Alps. But the West Coast has less rain days than Auckland. So it has many fine days in which to appreciate the real beauty that the West Coast is abundant with. It has mild temperatures all year round which means it is an enjoyable destination at any time through out the year.

Average Temperatures (°Celsius)
Summer: (Dec - Feb) 12-25°
Autumn: (March - May) 9-17°
Winter: (June - August) 5-15°
Spring: (Sept - Nov) 9-17°