Paparoa Track

New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, is a spectacular 55 km tramping and mountain-biking route that winds through the wild, untamed landscapes of Paparoa National Park on the West Coast. Opened in 2019, this track offers a rare combination of lush rainforest, dramatic limestone karst formations, and panoramic coastal views. Whether you’re hiking or biking, you’ll traverse high alpine ridges, descend into deep river valleys, and experience the raw beauty of the South Island’s rugged west. It’s an immersive journey into a landscape that feels both ancient and alive.

Highlights & What to See

• Pike Memorial Lookout: A poignant spot near the track’s start, offering sweeping views over the Barrytown valley and a tribute to the 29 miners lost in the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster.
• Moonlight Tops: The highest section of the track, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Paparoa Range, the Tasman Sea, and on clear days, Mount Cook.
• Pororari River Gorge: A dramatic limestone canyon with sheer cliffs, lush ferns, and crystal-clear waters – a highlight of the final descent.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes: A short detour from the track’s northern end, these iconic limestone formations are a must-see geological wonder.
• Mountain Biking: The Paparoa Track is the only Great Walk open to mountain bikers year-round, with purpose-built single track and thrilling descents.
• Nelson Creek Hut: One of the two well-equipped huts along the track, offering a cozy stop with bunks, water, and stunning valley views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 days for the full track if walking, or 1–2 days if mountain biking. Most walkers start at the Smoke-Ho car park near Blackball and finish at Pororari Road near Punakaiki, staying overnight at the Moonlight or Pororari huts. Bike it in a day if you’re fit and start early. The track is well-formed but challenging, so pace yourself and pack for changeable weather – the West Coast can turn from sun to rain in minutes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Punakaiki & Pancake Rocks: Just 10 km from the track’s northern end, a perfect spot to celebrate your finish with a coastal walk and a meal at the Punakaiki Tavern.
• Blackball: A historic gold-mining town near the southern trailhead, with quirky pubs and the famous Blackball Salami Company.
• Greymouth: The West Coast’s largest town, 45 minutes south, offering supplies, accommodation, and the fascinating Left Bank Art Gallery.
• Hokitika: Known for its pounamu (greenstone) carving studios, wild beach sunsets, and the Hokitika Gorge’s turquoise waters – about an hour’s drive south.
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers: Two hours south, these iconic glaciers provide a stunning contrast to the forested Paparoa landscape.

Please check official sources for current details.