Everything You Need to Know about Paparoa Track

Hiking through the Paparoa track and crossing through the breathtaking Paparoa Ranges gives you a uniquely refreshing experience. You can experience tramping through the stunning alpine tops, witnessing the limestone karst formations, and exploring the lush rainforest.

So, if you plan to uncover this amazing trail's beauty, here’s everything you need to know.

The Paparoa Track

Among New Zealand’s Great Walks in the South Island, specifically in the Paparoa National Park, is the purposely built Paparoa Track. It is a 56-kilometre trail that is a popular hiking destination and a sought-after mountain biking site.

Traversing through the Paparoa trail allows you to explore the diverse terrains, ranging from the subtropical rainforest to the high alpine areas. You can also witness the Pororari River’s striking limestone gorge.

Hiking and biking on the trail allow you to trace the paths of early gold miners and pioneers. Taking a brief detour to Garden Gully unveils remnants of the past, such as antique gold mining machinery, including a significant stamping battery, and a miners' hut dating back to the 1930s.

The track also features the Pike29 Memorial Track, which is a portion of the Paparoa hiking track built to honour the 29 men who lost their lives in the Pike River Mine disaster. It is an 11.6 - kilometre trail that will link the Paparoa Great Walk to the Pike River valley and will open in 2024.

How to Access the Paparoa Trail

Start your Paparoa track bike and hike adventure by accessing the trail’s southern end near Blackball, specifically at the Smoke-ho car park, approximately a 45-minute drive from Greymouth.

There are also other routes leading to the track: driving towards the Pororari River car park on State Highway 6, about 1.2 kilometres north of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks or the Waikori Road car park on the same state highway, approximately 2.4 kilometres south of Pancake Rocks.

The Paparoa Trail Accommodation

The Department of Conservation manages the famous Paparoa track accommodation huts: the Ces Clark Hut, Moonlight Tops Hut, and Pororari Hut.

These cabins are all complete amenities, providing convenience and comfort for hikers and bikers on multi-day trips, from cosy bunk beds with quality mattresses to an excellent heating system.

While these huts provide basic amenities and a good water supply, they do not offer free meals, cooking utensils, and showers. You must plan your trip and prepare the essentials before booking any Paparoa track huts.

Tips for Hiking Through the Paparoa Track

Make the most of your hiking adventure by uncovering the wonders of this multi-use trail. Experience the Paparoa Great Walk by following these tips:

Explore the Trail

The Paparoa multi-use trail is more than just a hiking and biking destination. It also possesses many unique features you must discover during your trip. To uncover the jewels of the Paparoa hiking and biking track, you should do your research before your adventure.

You can start your search by looking into the things to do and places to go in the Paparoa National Park. Talk to hiking experts about the spectacular attractions and activities on the Paparoa Track.

Searching for the Paparoa track distance and other related aspects is also essential because these factors can help you plan and prepare for your tramping adventure.

Know the Transport Options

It is significant to remember that the trail is not a circuit, so it won't be easy to access both ends of the track without transport. Explore your transportation options, from private cars to public buses.

If you want to drive towards either end of the track, choose which car park you want to secure your vehicle. And if you are on a multi-day trip, you must book accommodation in advance since car parks in the national park prohibit camping in the area.

But if you prefer to commute to the Paparoa trail, you must check out the intercity bus schedules towards the park. Whether riding from Greymouth, Westport, or Punakaiki, research the schedule so you won’t miss your ride.

Avail a Hiking Package

Getting a Paparoa hiking package is an excellent way to walk on the historic Great Walk. You can avail yourself of a Paparoa four-day guided walk to ultimately enjoy your tramping adventure.

The hiking tour is more convenient and safer, especially with an advanced track with a difficult elevation like this one.

You can climb through the alpine tops while braving the narrow track, steep climbs, and other obstacles with the help of your private guide briefing you before the walk.

With multi-day hikes, most hiking packages provide delectable meals, which is an advantage since the huts on the trail don't offer meal packs, cooking utensils, and safety tools.

And you don’t have to worry about transport to the track since a vehicle pick-up will bring you on a scenic drive along SH6 to the trail’s starting point.

Book an Accommodation

Organise your Paparoa track bookings and always secure a spot on their accommodation. If you dislike staying in the Department of Conservation’s huts, you can book your rooms in various hostels and establishments in the towns near the track.

You can also explore these small towns close to the trail to replenish your supplies and other hiking essentials before you go on your thrilling adventure.

Check the Local Weather Forecast

Whether you are a hiker, biker, or both, it pays to check the weather forecast on your trip. It allows you to plan and maximise your safety while traversing this advanced track. And it helps you find better ways to enjoy your adventure.

For a more accurate Paparoa track weather report, you can look into the regional or local news instead of relying on the internet since the weather can sometimes become unpredictable.

Prepare the Essentials

Don’t let the excitement of a trip prevent you from bringing all the hiking essentials. Make sure to prepare your things, from your clothes to your gear, and secure other items in advance.

Days before your most-awaited great walk experience, pack and re-check the essentials to prevent any inconvenience.

Hike in the Paparoa Track with New Zealand Walks

Witness the beauty of the Paparoa Ranges and experience the thrill of exploring the Paparoa hiking and biking track by booking a four-day guided walk with us.

For more enquiries about our hiking tours, please get in touch with us by calling +64 3 5736655 today.

Posted by on March 22, 2024