Guided Walk Option now available for NZ's Paparoa Track
New Zealand’s tenth Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, opened in late 2019. New Zealand’s Great Walks are located in National Parks and offer a high standard of walking infrastructure for public users. The Paparoa Track was the first new Great Walk in 25 years so attracted some fanfare.
The fanfare was deserved. The track lies within the remote Paparoa National Park on the rugged west coast of the South Island and traverses the wild Paparaoa mountain range. The hinterland features dramatic limestone karst landscapes and is home to diverse vegetation ranging from beech and podocarp forests to subtropical glades of Nikau palm trees.
The Department of Conservation has now permitted guided walks to operate on the track. Walkers who opt for the guided option will utilise the public huts and undertake the 55 kilometre walk over four days (three nights). Walking equipment is provided and moderate packs need to be carried.