In November 2024, Wildlab partnered with the Department of Conservation and Ngāti Waewae to create new storytelling panels for the popular walk to Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks. Installed alongside the opening of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre, the panels were designed to connect people with the nature and stories of this remarkable place.
The signs combine quick facts with longer narratives that reveal the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can discover how the rock stacks and blowholes were formed, spot coastal birds overhead, or learn surprising details about the nīkau palm.
The 12-panel series ends with an invitation: whether you’re a local or a visitor, everyone can play a part — donate, volunteer, support conservation projects, or simply share the story. Every action helps safeguard te taiao — the living world that makes Aotearoa so special.
Natural shapes help the panels blend into the dramatic West Coast landscape, while bold graphics keep things lively. The result is a sequence that’s informative, fun to explore, and sparks curiosity about the wild character of Paparoa National Park.
