Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nearest Town
Punakaiki (
Click here
)
Transport
Ask at Paparoa visitor centre
Summary
This historic track, carved by gold-miners in 1866 to bypass the rugged coast,
features an unusual landscape of steep gorges and interesting caves, as well as one of NZ's
largest rock bivvies.
This track explores Paparoa National Park's otherwise hidden treasures, including river val-
leys lined by nikau palms and spectacular limestone formations. A major highlight is spend-
ing a night at the Ballroom Overhang, one of the largest rock bivvies in NZ. While there are
no alpine passes to negotiate, nor any excruciating climbs above the tree line, the tramp is
no easy stroll. There is plenty of mud to contend with, and numerous river crossings. It is
suitable for well-equipped people with solid route-finding skills.
Dilemma Creek flows through a gorge so steep and narrow that trampers just walk down
the middle of it. Occasionally you can follow a gravel bank, but much of the tramp involves
sloshing from one pool to the next. When water levels are normal the stream rarely rises
above your knees, and if it's a hot, sunny day this can be the most pleasant segment of the
trip, but during heavy rain and flooding you should avoid this track at all costs. If the fore-
cast is poor, wait another day or move down the coast to find another tramp. To be trapped
by rising rivers with no tent makes for a very long night.
If you have a tent you can break the tramp more evenly over two days, or extend it to a
leisurely three-day walk. It can be tramped in either direction, but starting at Punakaiki
makes navigating the Fox River beds much easier.
