Paparoa Track & Pike29 Memorial Track

This is the newest Great Walk. It crosses the Paparoa Range and takes you through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests, with breathtaking views.

Where is it?

The track runs from Blackball on the eastern side of the Paparoa Range to Punakāiki on the western side.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 2-3 days one way; 55km one way

FITNESS: Moderate fitness required

TERRAIN: Some steep sections

Track Overview

Day 1: Beginning near Blackball on the existing Croesus Track, with remnants of the area’s goldmining history, the track ascends through beech and podocarp forest before crossing alpine scrub and tussock. You’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Grey River to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west.

Day 2: Open tops give way to alpine forest stunted by the harsh environment. Continue along the escarpment where the landscape is strikingly dramatic with sheer drops and stunning views down the Pike Stream in the east, west to Punakāiki and northwest to Westport. After descending, walk through ancient podocarp forest under towering cliffs.

Day 3: Hike down into the upper Pororari River valley. The track sidles a spectacular gorge and descend towards the coast through beech forest interspersed with northern rātā. Experience the lower gorge with its limestone cliffs; and pass through lush rainforest with glades of nīkau palms. The track ends near Punakāiki.

There will soon be the option to walk the Pike29 Memorial Track on day two. Here, a memorial will tell the story of the 29 men that died in the Pike River Mine disaster.

Paparoa Track © Stewart Nimmo

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