Bike the Paparoa Track - Two Day Ride

This is one of New Zealand's newest multi-day rides - a purpose-built track designed specifically with bikers in mind.

The spectacular Paparoa National Park on the West Coast of the South Island is an incredibly jagged and knife-edged region that has been shaped by the local weather conditions (which can be harsh). You will climb through lush native rainforest to tussocky alpine tops and limestone karst landscapes. Some of the views from the ridges are exceptional - but don't stray too close to the edge! You return to civilisation along a gorgeous flowing trail along the Pororari River Valley finishing in the village of Punakaiki.

• Hut accommodation on trail included. 
• All your transportation taken care of with shuttle bus from Punakaiki to the start point at Smoke-Ho. 

Day One: Smoke-Ho to Moonlight Tops Hut (20km). The start of the trail passes through mixed podocarp and beech forest and cross a wire suspension bridge over the Smoke-ho Creek. The track then zig-zags up the dividing ridge between Blackball Creek and Roaring Meg catchments. It's relatively easy going to start with but the trail becomes rougher and steeper as you head into subalpine forest leading towards Ces Clark Hut. 
From there you follow the ridge of the main Paparoa Range through open alpine vegetation above the Roaring Meg and Moonlight Creek catchments, with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook on a clear day. Moonlight Tops Hut has panoramic views across the Punakaiki River headwaters around to the escarpment, Pike Stream and Paparoa National Park.

Day Two: Moonlight Tops Hut to Punakaiki (35km ). Today the track winds along the top of the escarpment, with steep cliffs and stunning views. About half-way to Pororari Hut, you descend from the escarpment through ancient podocarp forest. The track then follows the ridge above Tindale Creek to Pororari Hut. Keep an eye out for the Lone Hand, a gnarled outcrop of rock on the north side of the Pororari River. The final part of the track has a wonderful flow to it as it descends into the upper Pororari River valley and follows the river back towards the coast. The biking trail forks left over a small hill and on to the main road. It's then a short ride to the small village of Punakaiki.

*Please Note: 

There is a supplementary fee for international (non-NZ) visitors to NZ Great Walks imposed by the NZ Government - If you are an adult international visitor please select the International Adult Price Box