Is Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) Blowholes happening right now?

As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, happening now. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

At Dolomite Point near Punakaiki on New Zealand's West Coast, seawater is forced through sea-cave vents in layered limestone and dolomite, producing dramatic vertical spouts.

The effect is driven by tide height and swell energy, producing anything from steady sprays to transient geysers during spring tides and large easterly swells.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Dolomite Point / Pancake Rocks Main Viewing Platforms
State Highway 6 Coastal Viewpoint (north and south laybys)
+ 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app →

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.