Paparoa National Park

The Paparoa National Park enables visitors to access previously inaccessible sections of remote wilderness on the west coast of the South Island. The park covers 38,000 hectares and showcases spectacular coastline, luxuriant forest and stunning views from atop the mighty Paparoa Ranges. Star attractions include the Dolomite Point blowholes and ocean surge pools(best seen at high tide) as well as the ancient sculpted Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki.

Limestone underlies most of the park and is responsible for its unique limestone karst landscapes. There are towering limestone cliffs lining the impressive coast and the inland river canyons such as the rugged Pororari River Gorge. Other amazing landforms include the Lone Hand Rock, the Pancake Stacks and a network of intriguing caves.

Thanks to the work of the Paparoa Wildlife Trust and the Department of Conservation, the park is a haven for vulnerable birds unique to New Zealand such as the great spotted kiwi, the native owl, the bellbird, the westland petrel and the blue duck. Visitors are often treated to an orchestra of birdsong.

There are numerous walking tracks in the park, ranging in duration from 20 minutes to 3 days. One of the best multi-day walks in the Paparoa National Park is the Paparoa Track - New Zealand’s newest Great Walk.