Experience the Stunning Paparoa Track: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Wild Beauty
Paparoa National Park is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, where rugged mountains meet lush rainforest and limestone formations tower over deep river gorges. The Paparoa Track is the first Great Walk specifically designed for both walkers and mountain bikers, offering an unforgettable journey across alpine ridges, through ancient forests, and into the heart of the West Coast’s untamed beauty.
The Paparoa Track: A Scenic Adventure
This 55-kilometer trail starts near the historic mining settlement of Blackball and finishes at the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Whether hiking over three days or biking over two, every moment on the track is a chance to connect with the untouched wilderness of the West Coast.
A Journey Through Changing Landscapes
The adventure begins on the Croesus Track, a relic from the region’s gold mining days. The initial climb winds through podocarp and beech forests, where you might glimpse the rare blue duck (Whio) in the streams below. As you ascend, the dense forest opens to reveal sweeping alpine views, with the Southern Alps stretching as far as Aoraki Mount Cook on a clear day.
Listen for the calls of the South Island’s great spotted kiwi (Roroa) or catch sight of Kea, New Zealand’s playful alpine parrots. These moments in the high country are usually reserved for mountaineers, but here they are accessible to anyone willing to take the journey.
The second day follows the ridgeline before descending into dense rainforest, where towering cliffs and dramatic limestone formations create a prehistoric feel. The trail then follows the Pororari River, winding through a spectacular gorge lined with Nīkau palms and tree ferns, adding a tropical contrast to the alpine landscapes of the day before.
For walkers, the final section of the track follows the Pororari River Track, leading through deep-green pools and sculpted limestone bluffs before reaching the coastal beauty of Punakaiki. Mountain bikers take a separate route through the Punakaiki River valley, where the scenery is just as dramatic.
Where to Stay and How to Plan
Most walkers spend two nights on the track, while mountain bikers complete it in two days with one overnight stay. There are three Department of Conservation (DOC) huts along the route, offering bunks, heating, gas cooktops, and water. These must be booked in advance, as the track is popular year-round. There are no campsites available.
Several local operators provide shuttle services to the track’s starting point, most departing from Punakaiki.
Make Birdsferrylodge Your Base for Exploring Paparoa
After days spent immersed in nature, there is no better way to unwind than in comfort and seclusion. Birds Ferry Lodge offers the perfect retreat before or after your Paparoa adventure. Located just a short drive from the trail’s end, it provides a tranquil place to relax, with gourmet meals, a private bush setting, and stunning views.
Rather than rushing through, why not extend your stay and fully embrace the beauty of the West Coast? Take an extra day to visit the Pancake Rocks, explore the hidden gems of the national park, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere at the lodge.
For more details on track conditions, packing lists, and hut availability, visit the Department of Conservation’s Paparoa Track website.
