Wellington (TAN): New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk — the Paparoa Track — is opening in December 2019 and it will traverse through the limestone landscapes of the Paparoa Range and lush rain forests.
Lake Waikaremoana, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Whanganui Journey, Abe Tasman Coast Track, Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Rakiura Track are the nine other Great Walks of the country.
The newest trail also features am 11-km one-way side trip that serves as a memorial to the 29 men who lost their lives in the Pike River Mine tragedy of November 2010, says Tourism New Zealand.
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The hike
Māori for “Long Place”, this spectacular mountain range looks out over the South Island’s dramatic west coast, punctuated by peaks and threaded with rivers. On the new Paparoa Track, hikers will experience the Pororari River Gorge, towering limestone cliffs, remnants from the region’s mining history and ever-changing forest that transforms from beech to rainforest, studded with nīkau palms.
The Paparoa Track starts near Blackball (Smoke-ho car park) and concludes at Punakaiki (Pororari River car park). The ideal time to walk is between September and May, but it’s wise for hikers to keep an eye on the weather forecast before setting out. The 55-km track, which takes three days to complete, is also open to mountain bikers.
The landscape
Parts of the trail are quite steep but offers excellent views. Highlights include the Lone Hand rock on the north side of the Pororari River, the Pororari River Gorge (dotted with swimming holes) and the ridgetop vistas that extend from the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea.
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Hikers need to be prepared because the landscape could be tough. If you’re mountain biking, be aware that it’s classed as Advanced Grade 4, Tourism New Zealand adds.
The wildlife
With networks of traps to control predators and a 12.5-hectare kiwi creche, there’s a strong chance visitors will hear – or even see – roroa (great spotted kiwi). Other birds unique to New Zealand that live around these parts include the ruru (native owl), korimako (bellbird), kereru (pigeon), whio (blue duck) and tūī.
