NewZealand Opens Paparoa dual walking and mountain bike track

It is no surprise that there is general excitement on New Zealand’s West Coast.   The small towns that make up the region are ready to welcome visitors from all over the world to see their backyard. The first purpose built dual walking and mountain bike track on the Great Walk network, the Paparoa Track is set to become one of the region’s biggest drawcard for New Zealanders and overseas visitors.

Locals, or ‘Coasters’ as they are colloquially known, are infamous for their hospitality and extremely passionate about their home and the new track is of significant meaning to everyone from the area. The three day, 55km walk (or two-day bike) will act as a tribute to the 29 Pike River miners who lost their lives in the 2010 disaster.

Paparoa Track explores some of the most rugged, diverse and untouched environments in the country. The tenth Great Walk and first to be constructed in 25 years will take in stone cliffs, beech forest and glades of subtropical nikau palms at one end, while climbing to a unique alpine setting with incredible views out to the Tasman Sea.

The winding coastal road from Greymouth to Punakaiki is the perfect example of the untamed West Coast wilderness.

To the left is rugged coastline, seemingly endless, dotted with rocky outcrops and rough surf crashing into the shoreline. To the right, magnificent green of wild bush that sees the most rainfall in New Zealand annually.

The track is home to some of New Zealand’s rare native species like the kea, the whiō (blue duck), great spotted kiwi bird and the Paparoa range alpine snail. Important measures have been taken to leave as little impact as possible.

The Paparoa Track is bound to make hikers around world bucket lists. With an eager community waiting to welcome visitors and an environment that is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful but also untouched, the reward will be great for those that take up the challenge.

Source – Newzealand Tourism

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