The Paparoa Track: A Great Walk for Hikers and Mountain Bikers
Most Great Walks pick one landscape and stay with it. The Paparoa Track does not. Over 55 kilometres, it climbs from rainforest to open alpine tops, then drops to the Tasman Sea. It was also the first Great Walk built for both walkers and mountain bikers. That mix gives the Paparoa Track a different feel from the older tracks.
This guide covers the route, huts, booking, mountain biking and the Pike29 Memorial Track. It also explains how to fit the walk into a wider West Coast trip. If you are comparing options, see our overview of the New Zealand Great Walks.
What Is the Paparoa Track?
The Paparoa Track crosses the Paparoa Range in Paparoa National Park on the South Island’s West Coast. It starts at Smoke-ho car park near Blackball and finishes near Punakaiki. DOC recommends walking or riding from south to north.
Most walkers take three days and two or three nights. Mountain bikers usually take two days. DOC rates it an intermediate Great Walk. The track is well formed, but the alpine tops are exposed and the weather changes quickly.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 55 km one way |
| Duration | 2 to 3 days walking, usually 2 days by bike |
| Start | Smoke-ho car park, near Blackball |
| Finish | Punakaiki |
| Huts | Ces Clark, Moonlight Tops, Pororari |
| Camping | Not allowed |
| Shared use | Walkers and mountain bikers |
Paparoa Track Route, Day by Day
Smoke-ho car park to Ces Clark Hut (10.3 km, 4 to 5 hours). The first section follows the historic Croesus Track. It climbs steadily through forest to the bush line. You pass the old Croesus Top Hut just before Ces Clark Hut, which has 16 bunks. A turn-off to Croesus Knob lies about 30 minutes further on.
Ces Clark Hut to Moonlight Tops Hut (about 10 km). This is the scenic heart of the walk. The track runs across open alpine tops with limestone, tussock and long views. Moonlight Tops Hut sleeps 20 and looks out across the Punakaiki River headwaters. It is a popular spot for sunset.
Moonlight Tops Hut to Pororari Hut (19.1 km). Next, the track meets the Pike ridge, where the Pike29 Memorial Track begins. It then passes the junction for the Inland Pack Track. Here walkers and bikers go separate ways for a short stretch.
Pororari Hut to Punakaiki (about 16 km). The final day drops through lush forest to the coast. Allow time at the end for the Pancake Rocks.
Two nights or three?
DOC gives two options. For two nights, stay at Moonlight Tops and Pororari huts. That makes day one about 20 kilometres. For three nights, stay at Ces Clark, Moonlight Tops and Pororari. Do not try to link Ces Clark and Pororari in one day. It is nearly 29 kilometres and about ten hours.
Paparoa Track Huts and Booking
Three Great Walk huts serve the track. There are no campsites, and camping is not permitted. The huts do not supply food, cooking gear or bedding, so bring your own.
Hut bookings open each May for the following season. Moonlight Tops fills first, because mountain bikers often stay there too. If you want two nights, book Moonlight Tops and Pororari together. Book early and confirm fees on the DOC website. A Backcountry Hut Pass works at Ces Clark Hut only.
Mountain Biking the Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track is a grade 4 ride, so it suits experienced riders. Most bikers take two days from south to north. E-bikes are not allowed. The climb to Ces Clark Hut is rough and steep. Check your brakes at the Pike29 junction, because the descent that follows is long.
Walkers and riders share most of the route, so give way and ride with care. Our bike tours and cycling and mountain biking activities pages cover other rides around the country.
The Pike29 Memorial Track
The Pike29 Memorial Track opened in 2024. It honours the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine disaster in 2010. The track climbs from the mine site to the tops, about 800 metres, then joins the Paparoa Track.
You can walk it as a return trip from its own car park, which is about 22 kilometres. Or you can use it as an extension of the Paparoa Track. It is steep, so plan for a full day.
Best Time to Walk the Paparoa Track
Summer, from December to February, gives the warmest and most settled weather. Autumn is quieter. The West Coast is among the wettest parts of the country, so expect rain in any month. The alpine tops are exposed, and cloud can close in fast.
Pack for cold and wet conditions even in summer. Carry a personal locator beacon. Phone reception is patchy, though some spots, including Ces Clark Hut, have signal.
Getting to the Paparoa Track
Punakaiki sits on State Highway 6, about 45 minutes north of Greymouth. Westport is roughly an hour to the north. Blackball is a short drive inland from Greymouth. The two ends are far apart by road, so book a shuttle or leave a second vehicle at the finish.
There is no public transport to Punakaiki. Most walkers drive or join a tour. See our driving in New Zealand tips before you go.
What to Pack for the Paparoa Track
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers, hat and gloves for the tops
- Sleeping bag, cooking gear and all your food
- Sturdy, broken-in boots or mountain bike shoes
- Personal locator beacon and torch
- Sun protection for the exposed sections
Combine the Paparoa Track with the West Coast
The track ends next to some of the coast’s best sights. The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a short drive away. Our Paparoa National Park guide covers the wider park, wildlife and shorter walks.
For a road trip, try the 7-Day West Coast Wonder Self-Drive Tour or the 11-Day Glacier Wonder Self-Drive. You can also browse our West Coast activities page. Looking for a quieter West Coast option? The Heaphy Track lies a few hours north.
Plan Your New Zealand Hiking Trip
Compare the Paparoa Track with other multi-day walks in our best hikes in New Zealand guide. For guided and self-guided trips, browse our hiking tours. Not sure when to go? Read our best time to visit New Zealand guide. Or ask us for a custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Paparoa Track?
The Paparoa Track is 55 kilometres one way. Most walkers take three days. Mountain bikers usually finish in two.
Can you camp on the Paparoa Track?
No. Camping is not permitted. You must stay in one of the three Great Walk huts, and you need to book in advance.
Is the Paparoa Track hard?
DOC rates it intermediate. The climbs are steady, and the days are long. Reasonable fitness is enough, but the weather on the tops can be harsh.
Can you mountain bike the Paparoa Track?
Yes. It is a shared-use Great Walk. The ride is grade 4, so it suits experienced riders. E-bikes are not allowed.
When do Paparoa Track bookings open?
DOC opens hut bookings in May for the next season. Popular dates sell quickly, especially at Moonlight Tops Hut.