Jacks Blowhole
Catlins
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
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Impressive phenomenon!
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Information
Jacks Blowhole
3 km return | 1 hour return
It’s dimensions are staggering - 55 metres deep, 144 metres long and 68 wide. It is over 200 metres inland from the sea. The cauldron of swirling water rides up the sheer walls and echoes like the belly rumbles of a dragon.
Walking Track
Timing
You are requested to respect the right granted by the landowner to cross private land. The track is closed during lambing, 1 September – 1 November.
Access
From Owaka follow Hina Hina Road and cross the bridge over the Catlins River. Turn left and continue 5 km to Jacks Bay.
At Jacks Bay head right to the parking area at the end of the beach. The track starts from the hill at the far end.
Track
The track follows poles over farmland and stiles, climbing the hill to the fenced area by the blowhole. A track circuits the hole, with a viewing platform at the landward end.
Geology
Blowholes such as this are testimony to the power of the sea. Relentless wave action exploits a weakness in the rock structure of the cliffs, steadily enlarging a cavity to form a cave. Where a weakness exits above the fissure, the compression of water and air with the waxing and waning of swells, can cause the overlying rock to collapse, forming a chimney through the rock.
Flora
Native vegetation surrounds the enormous blowhole, a curious feature of the surrounding farmland.
Polynesian History
Jacks Blowhole takes its name from Tuhawaiki, a notable chief of southern Maori who reached notoriety for his battled against the infamous Te Rauparaha, a bloodthirsty North Island chief. Jack (his European name) once swam from False Islet to Jack’s Island, a distance of 8 km, to evade capture after a skirmish.
European History
It is said the blowhole was discovered by Europeans in 1875. One local farmer was out looking for stray stock when he stumbled on the aperture in the ground, only metres from its edge.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC SouthlandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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4.0/5
This track was a little harder than I anticipated.
Also, the first view point of Penguin Bay / Tunnel Rocks was more exciting than the actual blowhole. The best time to visit is during high tide so you can see the blow hole "spouting." A challenging climb up many flights of stairs. Most of the time you're following a gravel path through grassy farm land. Overall, this track was family friendly and a good workout.
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4.0/5
Steady walk to the blowhole which was impressive to watch the sea crash against the rocks.
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3.0/5
Good walk along the coast.
Can be quite steep at times - the actual blowhole possibly being better on a rough day to see the waves crashing through.
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5.0/5
All the free walks are very nice and very well maintained.
Bridges and walkways are with lots of care and very respectfully built. Toilets at the starting point are always cool and with paper and soap.
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3.5/5
Mildly interesting reward for a short, easy walk.
Always admire the forces of nature but wish there was a closer view to the blowhole.
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3.0/5
Think that the conditions may not have been ideal to see the hole in full force.
Walk up was nice though and the blowhole is cool to see even when not blowing.
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3.5/5
Don't believe what they say - it's not an easy walk..
you need a moderate level of fitness as some parts are v steep. Also the sign at the start of the track says 20 mins (this is a lie!) It is 1 hour return at least. However, it was worth it in the end to see Jacks Blowhole! Great views from up high too.
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5.0/5
Unbelievable how big the hole is and the force of the sea.
A beautiful calm and wonderful place!!
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4.0/5
This track was a little harder than I anticipated.
Also, the first view point of Penguin Bay / Tunnel Rocks was more exciting than the actual blowhole. The best time to visit is during high tide so you can see the blow hole "spouting." A challenging climb up many flights of stairs. Most of the time you're following a gravel path through grassy farm land. Overall, this track was family friendly and a good workout.
-
3.0/5
Good walk along the coast.
Can be quite steep at times - the actual blowhole possibly being better on a rough day to see the waves crashing through.
-
4.0/5
Steady walk to the blowhole which was impressive to watch the sea crash against the rocks.
-
5.0/5
All the free walks are very nice and very well maintained.
Bridges and walkways are with lots of care and very respectfully built. Toilets at the starting point are always cool and with paper and soap.
-
3.5/5
Mildly interesting reward for a short, easy walk.
Always admire the forces of nature but wish there was a closer view to the blowhole.
-
3.0/5
Think that the conditions may not have been ideal to see the hole in full force.
Walk up was nice though and the blowhole is cool to see even when not blowing.
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3.0/5
Short walk.
Even if it is not working because of the wrong tide it is quite interesting.
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3.5/5
Don't believe what they say - it's not an easy walk..
you need a moderate level of fitness as some parts are v steep. Also the sign at the start of the track says 20 mins (this is a lie!) It is 1 hour return at least. However, it was worth it in the end to see Jacks Blowhole! Great views from up high too.
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-
5.0/5
Unbelievable how big the hole is and the force of the sea.
A beautiful calm and wonderful place!!
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3.5/5
Nice view of coast, gorgeous bay to leave from.
Easy trampwith a great reward at the end.