The Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, opened in 2019 on the West Coast near Punakaiki. Over 55 km and 2–3 days it climbs onto the dramatic Paparoa Range, with limestone landscapes, rainforest, alpine ridgelines and big coastal views. It’s also a moving memorial — created in part to honour the 29 men lost in the 2010 Pike River mine tragedy, via the Pike29 Memorial Track.
The basics
- Distance: ~55 km, 2–3 days, one-way.
- Difficulty: Intermediate.
- Dual use: It’s both a hiking and mountain-biking Great Walk — one of the few you can ride.
Booking & season
Great Walks season runs roughly late October to April. Book huts through DOC — 2026/27 bookings opened 12 May 2026 (the first of the season). Being newer, it can be slightly easier to get than the Fiordland classics, but still book ahead.
Why do it
- Variety in a short trip: Huge scenery without a week-long commitment.
- Bike or walk: Great option if you’re into mountain biking.
- Pair with Punakaiki: The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are right there (free — see our Greymouth post).
What to bring
Layers, rain gear, food, and a head for changeable West Coast weather. Check DOC alerts first.
Easy to combine with the West Coast leg of a Campervanz road trip.
