Paparoa Track, West Coast
Image: Jason Blair | ©

Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication. 

Introduction

The Paparoa Track, New Zealand’s newest Great Walk is on target to be fully open for walkers and bikers from March 1.

Date:  14 February 2020

The Paparoa Track's opening will be marked with the unveiling of three hand-carved waharoa, which will mark the three entry points to the track.

The waharoa have been carved by Ngāti Waewae, mana whenua for the area, who will lead the unveiling ceremony on February 29.

Pike 29 family members, track construction crews, and community members have been invited to gather at each of the three entry points to unveil the waharoa.

The track has been partially open since December 1, after a problematic slip stymied the full opening of the track. The reinstatement of this section proved difficult with prolonged adverse weather leading to unstable ground conditions.

DOC’s Greymouth Operations Manager Shane Hall says feedback so far on the track has been very positive.

“People have been opting to do ‘in and out’ journeys to either hut and have very much enjoyed these two sections. Once the track is fully open we look forward to new stories about the journey and people’s adventures in this rarely explored part of the world.”

Bookings for the 2020-21 season open in June.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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