Punakaiki – Pororari Loop

This popular walking track combines the southern section of the Inland Pack Track with the Pororari River Track. It can be walked in either direction but is described here as a counter-clockwise loop beginning at the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.

From the Visitor Centre follow SH6 south for 1 km to Waikori Road, 200 m on the left after the Punakaiki River. Leave the farm gate at the start of Waikori Road closed at all times. Follow Waikori Road for 1 km to the car park.

The track then follows the mountain bike entry/exit for the Paparoa Track, crossing the Punakaiki River via a footbridge and then making an easy graded climb through mature rain forest over the ridge dividing the two river valleys.

When you reach the Pororari River Track junction you can continue along the Inland Pack Track for a short distance to the swingbridge – this is a good place to rest.

Return to the junction and then follow the Pororari River Track downriver to the carpark on SH6. The Pororari River Track is the pedestrian entry/exit for the Paparoa Track. Once out to the highway it is a 1 km walk south back to the Visitor Centre.

The Punakaiki – Pororari Loop can be started from the Visitor Centre in Punakaiki, the Waikori Road car park or the Pororari River car park. Both options will lead you back to your start point.

Hunters may be within the area of the lower and upper sections of the Pororari River track - take care.

Heavy rain will cause the lower and upper section of the track to possibly become impassable. Before you go into the area check the Paparoa National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.