Hike Inland Pack Track, Paparoa National Park, New Zealand

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Built in 1867 during the gold rush to avoid dangerous coastal travel, the Inland Pack Track gives access to some of the finest features of Paparoa National Park. There are no huts along the way, but there is sheltered camping under the Ballroom Overhang, where there is a toilet. Punakaiki River to Pororari River Time: 1 hrDistance: 3.5 km The Inland Pack Track traditionally starts from the Waikori Road car park with the crossing of a large suspension bridge. This section is well formed as the bikers entrance/exit to the Paparoa Track Great Walk. Bikes may be encountered on this dual use section. The track winds its way over a ridge. It then drops back down into the Pororari River Valley and passes through rainforest, kamahi and beech forest. An alternative to the Punakaiki River entrance is the Pororari River Track. Pororari River Track Junction to Bullock Creek Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 5 km From where the Pororari River Track and Inland pack track meet, continue up the Paparoa Track for a few minutes to the Lower Pororari Swing Bridge. Crossing this bridge leaves the Great Walk Track and becomes a tramping track. This part of the track was heavily damaged during cyclone Ita. The track has been cleared but you can still see damage to many large trees. You'll also see regeneration growing through the clearings left from the gaps created from fallen trees. There are many tomos and grikes in this section, so stick to the track. You can see some of these next to the track. Beyond the windfall there are still abundant old growth rimu and a diverse range of ferns. Just before you reach old Bullock Creek Farm is the Cave Creek Memorial track. The track to Bullock Creek follows and old farm road. There is no bridge across Bullock Creek and this can become impassable during and after heavy rain. Bullock Creek to Fossil Creek Time: 2 hrDistance: 7 km The farm road continues before narrowing to a single track skirting a swamp through rimu-beech forest. It climbs over the ridge dividing the Bullock Creek and Fox River Catchments and drops down to fossil creek. Many of the structures in this part are damaged and slippery. Take extra care. Fossil Creek to Fox River / Dilemma Creek Junction Time: 2 hrDistance: 4 km From here there is no formed track. Follow Fossil Creek downstream for about 30 min to Dilemma Creek, which is also followed downstream to Fox River. The forested limestone canyon is one of the most dramatic sections of the Inland Pack Track. This section has numerous crossings which change often, You need good river crossing skills. There are sections of windfalls down Fossil Creek. You need appropriate navigation skills and may need extra time. The Ballroom Overhang is a side track from here. Dilemma Creek / Fox River Junction to Fox River Mouth Time: 1 hr 30 min Distance: 5 km From here the Inland Pack Track is a formed track again on the true left of Fox River. The track follows the gorge for 2 km climbing and dropping to negotiate bluffs. There are several good lookout points. A wide river crossing brings you to the true right of the river. The track continues downstream with some river bed travel. Orange markers take you back into a forested track section leading back to the Fox River car park.

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