The Paparoa Track, an advanced 56.2km ride or intermediate Great Walk, travels through the Paparoa Range, alpine tops and thriving rainforests in the Paparoa National Park along the West Coast of Aotearoa.

The video highlights the varied conditions mountain bikers and trampers can expect, covering important tips including how to pack a balanced bike, a suggested packing list, the common risks and hazards, and key decisionmaking points.

While the track is open yearround, it’s not to be underestimated as it is exposed to severe weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures at any time of year. Ice and snow are more common in the winter months, adding additional hazards that need to be taken into account when planning.

In February 2024, the Pike29 Memorial Track will open, connecting the Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River valley. The new track has been created in partnership between DOC, Ngāti Waewae and the families of the 29 men who died as a result of the Pike River mine disaster in November 2010.

Want to do this track?

Use the Plan My Walk app to build your own plan: https://planmywalk.nz/tracks/paparoa...

Key learnings in this video:
Have a wellbalanced and maintained bike and carry a repair kit.

Warm and waterproof clothing: Before heading to the West Coast, it’s important to prepare for all conditions by taking warm and waterproof clothing.

Carry a mobile phone and a distress beacon.

Carry an emergency shelter and some extra food in case you need to wait out any severe weather, flooding, or an injury that requires a rescue.

Check the weather: The track is open yearround, however severe weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures can occur any time of year.

Leave your intentions with a trusted contact before starting the trail. You can do this is by using Plan My Walk.

There are a few rules specific to mountain biking and tramping the Paparoa Track:

Riding at night is prohibited to protect the nocturnal wildlife in the area.

Electric Bikes are currently not permitted.

And this is a shared use track, so remember to be courteous, stay in control, signal your approach, and give way when appropriate.

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Brought to you by the NZ Mountain Safety Council, Quite Nice Films, Department of Conservation, MetService, NZ Police, LandSearch and Rescue, and Ngāti Waewae Arahura.

The NZ Mountain Safety Council would like to acknowledge and thank Ngāti Waewae for filming in their Takiwa.

The use of drones on all public conservation land is prohibited without the Department of Conservation’s permission. All of our filming has been granted this access and we work hard to follow all of the guidelines and requirements associated with that. Visit doc.govt.nz for more information.

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