Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track - the Pike29 memorial route over the escarpment with West Coast gorge and sea views
The route
The line through Paparoa NP, West Coast, New Zealand - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Smoke-ho (Blackball)Trailhead
Inland start
- 2Ces Clark HutHut
Below the tops
- 3Moonlight Tops HutHut
On the escarpment
- 4Pororari HutHut
Gorge descent
- 5PunakaikiTrailhead
Coast finish
Season & conditions
Year-round (booked season)
Heavy West Coast rain and wind on the exposed tops
Open year-round; the exposed tops get wild West Coast weather. Confirm.
On the trail
Escarpment tops, limestone gorge and rainforest; a wide dual-use track
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Growing; NZ’s newest Great Walk
Walk or bike; the Pike29 side track
Getting there & staying
Blackball/Smoke-ho to Punakaiki
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
DOC Great Walk huts (booked); shared walk/MTB use
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Punakaiki / Greymouth; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
DOC Great Walk hut booking mandatory in season (fees higher for international visitors); sells out early - book at season opening. Confirm current fees. Shared with mountain bikers.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Exposed-tops weather, shared MTB traffic, remoteness
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.