The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki really are a spectacular sight. The layers were caused by dead marine creatures settling on the seabed 2km (1.25mi) below the ocean surface, along with with mud and clay. The weight of the water gradually compressed the sediment into hard lime-rich layers and softer mud layers.
This layering and compressing continued, and the formations were eventually raised above sea level by earthquake activity over a great period of time. Once exposed, wind, rain and waves eroded the soft layers, leaving the aptly-named pancake stacks.
This shot was taken at the other end of the bay from the Pancake Rocks trail. The sun peeked through clouds and lit up the cliff face, giving a better idea of the size of the formations.
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