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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Paparoa Track is the most recent addition to New Zealand's suite of Department of Conservation Great Walks. Passing through a national park and conservation area of the same name, the track is in a region where subtropical rainforest meets cool climate vegetation and landforms are the result of sculpted limestone. Beginning inland near the tiny settlement of Blackball, once significant as a coal mining centre with a colourful history, walk along the spectacular Paparoa Range escarpment with striking views of uninterrupted wilderness in one direction and the wild west coast ocean in another. Pass above the former Pike River coal mine, pausing to honour the memory of its tragic story. Descend from the alpine zone to lush forest, through magical river gorges and along an original gold prospector's track to finish on the coast at Punakaiki, famous for its pancake-like rock formations. Sleep in strategically located purpose-built huts along the way. This self-guided walk has everything uniquely west coast and more.
16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(48kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Greymouth
Make your own way to Greymouth on the west coast and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. You should allow enough time to purchase your lunch and snack supplies for the next three days. There are conveniently located supermarkets that are usually open until about 8:00pm daily. Your meal pack with breakfasts and dinners for the walk, plus cooking pot and accessories, should be waiting for you at the accommodation. Please ask reception upon check-in.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Paparoa Track southern trailhead, commence walk (20km, 7 - 8 hrs)
Shuttle pick up is at approximately 7.30am at your trip accommodation. Board your shuttle vehicle and transfer to Smoke-ho trail-head, at the southern end of the Paparoa Track. Pass through the quirky village of Blackball on the way, once a thriving settlement based on coal mining with a colourful history of unions and radicalism. It was also the terminus for a railway line from 1910 to 1966. The first and steepest section of the track climbs from about 400m above sea level to around 1100m above sea level and will challenge your legs. It initially follows the historic Croesus Track, with evidence of gold mining activities from the early 1900's, through beech and podocarp forest. Pass historic Croesus Top Hut and DOC Great Walks Ces Clark Hut before emerging from the forest into alpine scrub and tussock. From the open escarpment it is possible on a clear day to see Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, to the south and the Tasman Sea to the west. Overnight at Moonlight Tops Hut, with panoramic views across Paparoa National Park. NOTE: For anyone wanting a slower pace, an additional day can be added to the trip, staying tonight at Ces Clark Hut and continuing to Moonlight Tops Hut the following day. Several side trips are possible when adding an extra day.
Meals: D
Day 3
Walk Moonlight Tops Hut to Pororari River Hut (19.1km, 5 - 7 hrs)
Wake to the feeling you are on top of the world this morning. Enjoy this sublime location before setting off on the track once again. Walking along the escarpment of the Paparoa Range with expansive views of steep limestone cliffs and impenetrable wilderness, with the ocean far beyond, is truly breathtaking. Admire the skills of those who built this incredible track as you hug the ridgeline. Take a moment also to admire the tenacity of those who worked the coal mines in such a rugged environment, remembering the men who lost their lives in the Pike River Mine tragedy. Further along the track, descend from the escarpment through podocarp forest to reach Pororari Hut, the destination for today. NOTE: The Pike 29 Memorial Track, has been named in honour of the twenty nine men killed in 2010 when a tunnel in the Pike River Mine collapsed. At the families' wishes, the mine site and surrounding area has become part of Paparoa National Park.
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Walk to Punakaiki, transfer to Greymouth (16km, 4 - 5 hrs)
The track today is all downhill, following the Pororari River Valley and Gorge. Initially following an old track from an attempt at early settlement in the valley, descend through beech forest and sidle along a magnificent gorge sculpted from limestone. Pass an impressive suspension bridge, worthy of a photo, leading off to the Inland Pack Track - an historic trail from the gold mining era. Continue through the stunning lower Pororari River Gorge, following the river as it ebbs and flows into deep pools and around enormous rocks. Beautiful rainforest and nikau palms give a sense of the almost tropical as you finish the walk. Meet your shuttle transfer here at 3pm for the return trip to Greymouth.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
These types of track are regularly maintained and allow for mountain bikers as well as walkers. You should expect to encounter both along the way. Multi-use tracks are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side. Mountain bikes are allowed on the Paparoa Track all year round so walkers should be prepared to encounter bikers at any time.
Accommodation is on a twinshare basis in modern rooms with kitchenette facilities for self-catering if required. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property is conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks and points of interest. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.
Great Walk Huts are managed and maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC). They do vary slightly for each different Great Walk, and those retaining historical features may have fewer facilities than newer structures. For the Heaphy and Paparoa Tracks you can expect the huts used on our trips to have bunk beds, mattresses, heating, gas cooktops, sinks, a water supply (cold only) and toilets (either flushing or composting). Bunk rooms are usually offset from a large communal space for cooking, eating and relaxing. The huts do not provide food, bedding, showers, hot water, cooking pots or cooking utensils. You may pass more basic or historical huts along the track, which can be used for shelter in inclement weather, but your permit (included in the trip price) allows you to stay only at the designated hut on your booking. Hut fees contribute to the maintenance of these facilities. A DOC ranger may be present at any of the huts.
MODERATE - GRADE 5 These adventures involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day, on average, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. The trek involves carrying a full pack around 12 - 15kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a loaded pack is also highly recommended at least once a week in variable weather conditions.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
Introductory