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.