Short answer: The Paparoa Track is a Great Walk in Paparoa National Park, on the West Coast of the South Island. DOC lists it as a 55 km walk over three days, or a 56.2 km ride over two days, with three huts and no campsites. Bookings are open for 2026/27. Explera DMC New Zealand plans huts, shuttles and guides for groups.
This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators who sell the West Coast. The Paparoa Track is newer and quieter than the Fiordland Great Walks, and it is the only Great Walk in this briefing series that mountain bikers share with walkers.
What is the Paparoa Track?
- Route. Walkers start at the Smoke-ho car park, 8 km north of Blackball, and finish at the Pororari River car park, 1.2 km north of the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
- Time. DOC lists three days for walkers and two days for mountain bikers.
- Huts. Ces Clark, Moonlight Tops and Pororari. DOC suggests two nights (Moonlight Tops and Pororari) or three nights (all three huts).
- No campsites. There are no campsites on the track, so every walker needs a hut booking.
- A memorial. DOC says the track was created with the families of the 29 men who died at the Pike River Mine on 19 November 2010, DOC and Ngāti Waewae, as a memorial to the men. It can be combined with the Pike29 Memorial Track.
What do groups need to book?
- Huts. All huts must be booked in advance. Without a valid booking, walkers can be charged a penalty or turned away if the hut is full.
- Fees. For international adults from 1 October to 30 April, DOC lists NZ$76 a night at Ces Clark Hut, NZ$117 at Moonlight Tops Hut and NZ$92 at Pororari Hut. Fees are lower from May to September. Confirm fees at booking.
- Facilities. Huts have bunks, mattresses, gas cooktops, toilets and a water supply. Food, cooking utensils and showers are not provided.
- Shuttles. DOC says several shuttle operators serve the track and the Smoke-ho car park is small and for day use only, so we leave vehicles at the hotel and book a shuttle.
Can groups ride the Paparoa Track?
- Shared use. Walkers and mountain bikers share the track. DOC grades it Advanced (Grade 4), and the section from Smoke-ho to Ces Clark Hut is especially tough.
- Different exit. Riders finish at the Waikori Road car park, 2.4 km south of the Pancake Rocks.
- Rules. E-bikes are not allowed under the Paparoa National Park Management Plan, and night riding is not allowed.
- Who it suits. Riding groups need experienced riders. We match the plan to the group's skill and book bikes and support where needed.
What should groups expect on the track?
- Weather. Rainfall averages around 6,000 mm a year, and heavy rain, snow, ice, fog and strong wind are possible at any time.
- Hazards. DOC warns of landslides and rockfalls, especially after heavy rain, and says sections in the Pororari Valley may become impassable in very heavy rain.
- No phone signal. Most of the track has no cellphone coverage, so guides carry the group's communications.
- Ongaonga. Tree nettle grows in the Pororari Valley and its sting is painful, so clients keep to the track.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan Great Walks and guided walking and cycling and rail trails for travel agents and tour operators. See our Punakaiki and Greymouth pages, our West Coast briefing, our Heaphy Track briefing and our Great Walks booking guide.
FAQ
How long is the Paparoa Track? DOC lists 55 km for walkers over three days, and 56.2 km for mountain bikers over two days.
Can walkers camp on the Paparoa Track? No. There are no campsites, so every walker books huts.
Are e-bikes allowed? No. E-bikes are not allowed under the Paparoa National Park Management Plan.
Where does the track start and finish? At the Smoke-ho car park near Blackball, and near the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
Why is the track a memorial? DOC says it was created with the families of the 29 men who died at the Pike River Mine in 2010, DOC and Ngāti Waewae, as a memorial to them.
Sources
- Paparoa Track, Department of Conservation, checked 26 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
