Paparoa Track facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paparoa Track |
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| Length | 55.7 km (34.6 mi) |
| Location | Paparoa National Park, New Zealand |
| Designation | New Zealand Great Walk |
| Trailheads | Blackball, Punakaiki |
| Use | Tramping, Trail running, Mountain biking |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Season | Summer to autumn |
| Months | Late October to late April. Possible to walk in winter months too, but for experienced hikers only |
| Sights | Sunsets, limestone cliffs, beech forests |
| Hazards | Extremely cold temperatures, rain, wind, snow, flooding, steep slopes. |
| Surface | dirt, rock |
| Website | Department of Conservation |
The Paparoa Track is an exciting adventure trail in Paparoa National Park, New Zealand. It's about 55.7 kilometers (34.6 miles) long and is perfect for both hiking and mountain biking. This special track was built to remember the 29 miners who sadly lost their lives in the Pike River Mine disaster.
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand's tenth "Great Walk," which means it's one of the best and most famous multi-day trails in the country! It fully opened on March 1, 2020, and was the first new Great Walk added in 25 years.
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Exploring the Paparoa Track
This amazing track takes you through stunning landscapes. You'll see beautiful limestone cliffs, tall beech forests, and incredible views. It's a medium difficulty track, meaning it's a good challenge but not too hard for active people.
When to Visit
The best time to explore the Paparoa Track is from late October to late April, during New Zealand's summer and autumn. The weather is usually nicer then. If you're an experienced hiker, you can even go in winter, but be prepared for very cold temperatures, rain, wind, and even snow!
What You'll See
Along the way, you might spot amazing sunsets, unique rock formations, and dense forests filled with native plants like nikau palms and ferns. The track surface is mostly dirt and rock, so wear good shoes!
The Pike29 Memorial Track
Connected to the Paparoa Track is the Pike29 Memorial Track, which is an extra 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles) long. This path leads to the Pike River Mine Portal. At the mine site, there will be a special memorial and a visitor center to honor the miners who lost their lives. It's a place for quiet reflection and learning about the history of the area.
Images for kids
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Mountain bikers on Moonlight Tops
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Bridge over Clarke Creek on the Croesus Track
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Ridgeline view
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Pororari gorge
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Dense forest of nikau and ferns
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Ces Clark Hut
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Croesus Top Hut, a historic hut not open to the public
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Pororari Hut
