Paparoa Track
A Great Walk and Grade 2 mountain bike trail through the wild Paparoa Range on the West Coast.
Distance
55 km
Duration
2–3 days
Region
West Coast
Island
South Island
Moderate — reasonable fitness required
Book Paparoa Track huts
Huts on the Paparoa Track must be booked in advance through DOC. Bookings open on 1 June for the upcoming Great Walk season (late October – late April). Popular huts sell out quickly.
Book on DOC.govt.nz →Paparoa Track huts and campsites
Hut stays
Heated huts with sleeping platforms, mattresses, cooking facilities and toilets. Staff are present during Great Walk season to check tickets and assist walkers.
From approx. NZD $28–90 per adult per night.
Doing the Paparoa Track in winter (off-season)
Outside Great Walk season (May–October), huts revert to Standard category — no booking required, hut passes accepted, and fees are significantly lower. Conditions can be challenging (snow, wind, flooding). Check DOC for any seasonal closures before heading out.
What to bring on the Paparoa Track
- ✓Sleeping bag (liners available at some huts)
- ✓Trekking poles (recommended for alpine sections)
- ✓Rain jacket and warm layers
- ✓Insect repellent (sandflies are severe on West Coast walks)
- ✓Hut ticket or pre-paid booking confirmation
- ✓Water filter or purification tablets
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓First aid kit and blister care
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Other Great Walks
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Nelson-Tasman · 60 km
Routeburn Track
Fiordland / Mt Aspiring · 32 km
Milford Track
Fiordland · 53.5 km
Data source: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC). Not an official DOC website. Always verify information at doc.govt.nz.