Paparoa Track Services — Attraction in South Island

The Paparoa track is New Zealand's tenth great walk, and one of the best two days mountain bike rides in the country.

The first quarter of the track follows the Croesus track from Blackball (you can stock up on all the salami you'll need at the Blackball salami company shop in town). The gravel road up to the track carpark has been upgraded, so it's easy to drive up (saving you an otherwise ugly climb).

The Croesus never gets too steep, but it is rocky in places, making it a good effort to get up to Ces Clarke hut (just above the tree line) for lunch. From here, the track has been rebuilt, and has an easy surface and pleasant grade up to the summit close to mount Ryall. From here it's an easy ride down to the Moonlight Tops hut.

Views along the track are amazing -out to the West coast, and over to the southern Alps.

The northern end of the track ends (or starts) in Punakaiki. It's been resurfaced recently and is very smooth. The track passes through mature forest, along a stunning gorge, and is really good as a morning or afternoon ride if you've got 2-3 hours free.

The middle 10km of the track (North of Moonlight Tops hut) is closed due to a slip, and expected to reopen in March 2020.

There are options to make the track easier - Murchison helicopters will carry your gear up to Moonlight Tops hut, and there are car relocation services available that will shift your vehicle from Blackball to Punakaiki. Just remember to bring your insect repellent - West Coast...

Paparoa Track was my first backpacking track. And it was a great one! The night before I arrived to Punakaiki campground late, I was sick at the time and was tired after a long flight from Canada and a hike in Arthur’s Pass. I was very grateful that the lady at the campground office was very kind and helpful to me and she helped me store the butane cans and even added a note as a reminder for the second day. And I was tidying and packing till pretty late then packed for another two hours in the morning. I was almost late when I got to the meeting spot in the morning and was pretty overwhelmed. The lady (Miley was her name I think) was extra kind to me she didn’t rush me and told me to get my pack off and to park my car at the Parking spot. (I am really glad they also took care of the parking and the butane cans so I don’t have to worry about my car) . It was a long drive and she was telling us lots about the history and stories about the town we drove by and she has such a good energy and made me feel so much better. She even took my banana peels because otherwise I would have to carry it the whole way through out the hike. Thank you Miley! (If I spelled it right) The price is very reasonable. And I am so glad I didn’t have to drive the narrow bumpy road by the end and smoke ho car park is only for day use. I recommend booking the transportation from the Punakaiki campground! And stay there before and after too. It will make the experience...

A NEW great walk which is both challenging and exhilarating. I have had Parkinson's for 16 years and have other health problems that make outdoor pursuits a challenge. 66 years old and with no fitness training when we spotted a cancellation had opened up Midnight Tops hut, so had only 7 days to prepare. Parked the Campervan up at Punakaiki Beach Camp, caught the shuttle with Jed to Blackball and started walking. The Lord blessed us all the way by only allowing the rain to fall at night while we were safely tucked up in the well appointed huts. Very tidy toilets. An outstanding job by the track builders; the gradient is consistent and rarely over 1 in 10 and therefore manageable to keep a steady pace without going into cardiac overload. Because of our lack of fitness we took 4 days which was wise as we wouldn't have been able to do the 20 km from SmokeHo to Midnight Tops in one day. The 19 km on the 3rd day was mostly downhill but still a tough day for me. Last day (16km ) was also tough but is the probably the most spectacular scenery. That is not to say the rest is not wonderful with some excellent views of the National Park...