Jack’s hole doesn’t blow, it sucks. This is probably NZ’s only “named” blowhole that doesn’t spout at all—it’s more of a sea-surge pit than a puffing blowhole. Tourism rah-rah states that the blowhole is located an “astonishing” 200m inland from the sea, but it just doesn’t seem very astonishing at all compared to natural wonders like Punakaiki Rocks, or even Sandymount’s pits. The bush-clad pit is disappointingly difficult to see down into.
At this point you’re thinking, “Fine, we’ll skip it”…but wait! The 18- minute track leading to the Jack’s hole is a joy, a rare Catlins walking treat! The track ascends a hyper-green hill ‘o’ sheep then pops up to the headlands ridge where you’ll be treated to smashing coastal views. Looking north is Jack’s Bay, then Surat Bay, then a wee bit of Cannibal Bay…and finally some Nuggets. Sweet as!
Other than the disappointing blowhole, Jack’s Bay, on a sunny day, is a charmer—a low-tide stretch of yellow sand framed by sheer cliffs with explorable tidal shelves at either end. Around to the north you may find an actual blowhole huffing and puffing. Overall, on a sunny day Jack’s Bay is worth a visit, just don’t expect a riveting natural wonder.
