Inland Pack Track

Time: 1 hr Distance: 3.5 km The Inland Pack Track traditionally begins at the Waikori Road car park with a crossing over a large suspension bridge. This section is well formed as it serves as the biking entrance and exit for the Paparoa Track Great Walk, so bikes may be encountered on this dual-use section. The track climbs over a ridge before descending into the Pororari River Valley, passing through lush rainforest with kamahi and beech forest. An alternative access point to the Punakaiki River entrance is via the Pororari River Track .

Time: 1 hr 30 min Distance: 5 km From the junction of the Pororari River Track and Inland Pack Track, continue along the Paparoa Track for a few minutes to reach the Lower Pororari Swing Bridge. Crossing this bridge takes you off the Great Walk and onto a tramping track. This section was heavily damaged during Cyclone Ita. The track has been cleared, but you will notice fallen trees and large clearings where regeneration is underway. There are many tomo (sinkholes) and grikes (fissures) near the track, so keep to the marked route. Beyond the windfall, the forest includes old-growth rimu and a wide variety of ferns. Just before Bullock Creek Farm is the Cave Creek Memorial Track/Kotihotiho . The route to Bullock Creek follows an old farm road. There is no bridge across Bullock Creek, and it can become impassable during or after heavy rain.

Time: 2 hr Distance: 7 km The farm road continues before narrowing to a single track that skirts a swamp through rimu and beech forest. It then climbs over the ridge separating the Bullock Creek and Fox River catchments and descends to Fossil Creek. Many structures along this section are damaged and can be slippery, so take extra care.

Time: 2 hr Distance: 4 km There is no formed track in this section. Follow Fossil Creek downstream for about 30 minutes to Dilemma Creek, then continue downstream to Fox River. This forested limestone canyon is one of the most dramatic parts of the Inland Pack Track. The route involves numerous river crossings that change frequently, so good river crossing skills are essential. Expect windfalls along Fossil Creek, which require navigation skills and may add extra time. The Ballroom Overhang Track can be accessed via a side track from this section.

Time: 1 hr 30 min Distance: 5 km From here, the Inland Pack Track becomes a formed track again on the true left of Fox River. It follows the gorge for about 2 km, climbing and descending to negotiate bluffs, with several good lookout points along the way. Approximately 40 minutes from the Fox River car park, a 60 m section of track is badly damaged. Take care and follow the marked diversion. A wide river crossing then brings you to the true right of the river. The track continues downstream with some riverbed travel before orange markers lead you back into forest and on to the Fox River car park.

There are no huts along the way, but there is sheltered camping at the Ballroom Overhang Campsite , where there is a toilet.

Use these links on Google Maps to help find your way to either of the start points: At the Waikori Road car park , 800 m south of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. From the Pororari River Track car park , 1 km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. An alternative access is the car park at the end of Bullock Creek Road . The Inland Pack Track is recommended South to North following Fossil and Dilemma Creek downstream, but can also be done in reverse from the Fox River car park .

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .

No dogs.