Paparoa Track: Pororari Hut Track

The Paparoa Track provides walking and cycling access through the remote and spectacular wilderness of the Paparoa National Park. The track is challenging in poor weather. You will need a good level of fitness and the right equipment. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections are steep and rough, and the track may be muddy. The track is a shared-use walking and mountain bike track all year around. Respect other users of the track. Bikers must give way to hikers, but hikers need to be aware that bikers could come through from behind and may need to move to the side to let them pass. From the Pororari River car park, the track passes through lush rainforest with glades of nikau palms. It then climbs through beech forest interspersed with northern rata and sidles through a spectacular gorge. From the upper Pororari River valley, it climbs to Pororari Hut where there are stunning 360 degree views. Follow the same track back to the car park. Side trip: Pororari Hut to northern end of escarpment Time: 6 hr return From Pororari Hut the track continues to the emergency shelter on the northern end of the escarpment. This track includes good views before it transitions into alpine bush and the emergency shelter. Follow the same track back to Pororari Hut.

Bookings are required for Pororari Hut . This new hut is Great Walk standard, and is well positioned with great views.

The track starts from the Pororari River carpark on SH6, 1.2 km north of Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.

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 . We recommend trying these 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 .

Weather in Paparoa National Park is changeable with annual rainfall averaging around 6,000 mm (235 inches). Heavy rain, snow, ice, fog and strong winds are possible at all times of the year, especially on the exposed sections of the track. You must be well equipped and prepared for all weather conditions and carry warm and waterproof clothing. If the weather becomes severe, stay put in a hut or turn back until conditions improve. Some sections of track in the Pororari Valley may become impassable during times of very heavy rainfall. There is also a risk of landslides. There is danger of treefall in extreme wind events. Do not attempt to travel between Pororari Hut and the carparks in Punakaiki if these conditions occur. Take shelter in Pororari Hut and wait until conditions improve. If you are hiking the track in winter, check for snow and ice conditions before you leave and allow extra time. If in doubt, consider changing your trip to another day.

No dogs.