Pike 29 to Pororari River Track

The Pike 29 Memorial Track was constructed to commemorate the 29 men who tragically lost their lives in the Pike River Mine disaster in 2010. It starts near the site of the Pike River Mine and immediately starts climbing up many switch-backs to gain 700m of elevation. The switch-backs are designed to enable mountain bikers to climb and descend the track. This means that the gradient is not steep, but you'll need to be mindful of bikers coming downhill. Expect this climb to take around 3-4 hours. After 6.5km of climbing, just over the half-way point of the Pike 29 Track, the track begins to traverse the undulating ridgeline until meeting the Paparoa Track 1.5 to 2 hours and 4.6km later. After meeting the Paparoa Track and turning right you'll be faced with a traverse along the top of The Escarpment. With amazing views on a good day, be sure to enjoy your time there, but as this involves a significant cliff, be sure to keep a reasonable distance form the edge when soaking in the views! Around an hour and a half later (4.4km), you'll arrive at the Emergency Shelter, which is a good place for a rest, but be aware that overnight use of the shelter is for emergencies only. The track then drops down into the bush, passing with many switchbacks to navigate before reaching Pororari Hut, which is located a short distance off the main track. This section of track travels downhill through ancient podocarp forest and will have you at Pororari Hut after another 7.6km (2 - 2.5 hours). You'll certainly be in need of a break for the night, so rest up and enjoy the views. The next morning, the trail follows the upper Pororari River valley, tracing the path of the river. In certain sections, it follows an old track that dates back to 1912-1914 when a settlement was established in the valley. Along the way, the track offers stunning views as it winds through a gorge and descends through beech forest, with occasional appearances of northern rātā trees. At the junction where the Inland Pack Track and the Paparoa Track meet, hikers and mountain bikers choose separate paths. Walkers continue on the Pororari River Track, which takes them through the scenic Pororari River Gorge. Mountain bikers, on the other hand, follow the Inland Pack Track, crossing a low saddle to reach the Punakaiki River valley and the Waikori Road car park. This is also the route that trampers should take if the river is in flood. Both tracks meander through lush rainforest, featuring refreshing clearings adorned with nikau palms. Althogether, the journey will take 4 to 5 hours and travel 16 km (or 17.1 if deviating along the Inland Pack Track).

Bookings are required for Pororari Hut . This new hut is Great Walk standard, and is well positioned with great views. Be aware that bookings fill up very quickly.

The track starts from the Pike River Mine. It can be found at this location in Google Maps or this location in topomap.co.nz You'll need to arrange to be dropped off. Several transport operators will begin providing this service once the track is opened. It finishes at 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, or walk along the road to Punakaiki.

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 .