Paparoa Track

The Paparoa Track is New Zealand's newest Great Walk, a 55 km tramping and mountain biking route that cuts through the wild, untamed landscape of Paparoa National Park on the West Coast. This track offers a unique blend of limestone karst landscapes, lush rainforest, and dramatic coastal views, all while telling the story of the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster through the Pike29 Memorial Track. It's an epic multi-day adventure that showcases the raw beauty and poignant history of this remote region.

Highlights & What to See

• Pike29 Memorial Track: A 10 km section that pays tribute to the 29 miners who lost their lives in the 2010 Pike River Mine tragedy, with interpretative panels and a reflective atmosphere.
• Limestone Karst Landscapes: Marvel at dramatic limestone bluffs, arches, and caves, particularly around the Moonlight Tops and the Pororari River.
• Pororari River Gorge: Walk through a stunning limestone canyon where the river has carved a narrow, deep gorge with lush native bush clinging to the cliffs.
• Moonlight Tops: The highest point of the track, offering panoramic views of the Paparoa Range, the Tasman Sea, and on clear days, Mount Cook and Aoraki.
• Dense Rainforest: Immerse yourself in ancient podocarp forest, home to towering rimu, kahikatea, and silver beech, along with native birds like the kea and weka.
• Mountain Biking: The track is one of New Zealand's few Great Walks that also allows mountain biking, making it a thrilling ride through challenging terrain.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 3 days for the full tramping experience, walking from Pororari River Road to Punakaiki (or vice versa). For mountain bikers, the track can be completed in 1-2 days, but plan for a full day of riding with breaks to soak in the scenery. If you're short on time, a day hike from the Pororari River end to the Moonlight Tops hut and back is a rewarding 6-8 hour option.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks: Just a short drive from the track's northern end, these famous limestone formations and blowholes are a must-see.
• Greymouth: The largest town on the West Coast, offering amenities, accommodation, and the start of the TranzAlpine train journey.
• Hokitika: Known for its greenstone (pounamu) carving, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge with its turquoise water.
• West Coast Glaciers (Franz Josef & Fox): Combine your Paparoa adventure with a visit to the iconic glaciers, about 2-3 hours south.
• Paparoa National Park Coastal Walk: A shorter, easier walk along the coastline near Punakaiki, offering stunning views without the multi-day commitment.

Please check official sources for current details.