Inland Pack Track

Deep in the Paparoa National Park, the Inland Pack Track offers a rugged, multi-day tramping experience through primeval rainforest, limestone karst, and dramatic river gorges. Unlike the more famous coastal walks, this track immerses you in New Zealand's wild interior, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees tower overhead and the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water. It's a true backcountry adventure for hikers seeking solitude and a taste of the untamed West Coast wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Paparoa National Park's interior: Traverse dense temperate rainforest, crossing swingbridges over crystal-clear rivers like the Punakaiki and Fox River.
• Limestone landscapes: Marvel at dramatic karst formations, including the Moonlight Caves and towering bluffs that appear suddenly through the bush.
• Historic mining relics: Spot remnants of the region's gold-mining past, including old huts and rusting machinery near the Croesus Track junction.
• Birdlife: Listen for the haunting call of the kiwi and watch for native wood pigeons (kererū) and fantails flitting through the understory.
• Solitude and challenge: Experience a true wilderness tramp with few other hikers, requiring good fitness and preparation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most trampers allow 2–3 days to complete the full loop, with overnight stays at basic Department of Conservation huts (booking essential in peak season). A common itinerary is to start from the Punakaiki River Road end, hike to the Moonlight Tops Hut on day one, then descend via the Croesus Track to Barrytown on day two. Fit hikers can compress it into a long weekend, but the rugged terrain demands a steady pace. Day walks are possible from the Punakaiki end to the Moonlight Caves and back (4–6 hours).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes – a must-see coastal spectacle just minutes from the track start.
• Paparoa Track – a newer, easier Great Walk that traverses the park's coastal and alpine sections.
• Pororari River Track – a short, scenic walk through limestone gorges and nikau palm groves.
• Charleston – a historic gold-mining town offering cave tours and glowworm displays.
• Westport – the region's main hub, with the Coaltown Museum and access to the Oparara Basin arches.
• Greymouth – a larger town with breweries, the Left Bank Art Gallery, and the start of the Wilderness Trail.

Please check official sources for current details.