Inland Pack Track
An overnight backing trip encompassing West Coast rain forest, dramatic limestone gorges and stunning caves. Designed for those who have less time, or the perfect add on to your Paparoa Track Guided Walk.
A beautiful historic route through a coastal karst environment. Gorges, caves, waterfalls, subterranean rivers, sink-holes, swimming, and camping beneath a giant overhang.
Our all-inclusive trip includes
Transport to the beginning of the track.
All camping equipment such as lightweight 1 or 2 person tent and sleeping mat.
All meals throughout the duration of the trip, made from fresh ingredients and carried by your guide.
Complimentary use of lightweight down sleeping bag, 40L backpack, and carbon fiber hiking poles.
The company of a local, knowledgeable and qualified guide.
Day 1 - Bullock Creek to Ballroom Overhang
Level of difficulty - Moderate
11.5km (7.1 miles), 5-6hr
Your trip will begin by meeting your guide in Punakaiki for a pre departure briefing, and the issuing of any equipment that may be needed for the trip. The you’ll then take a 10 minute drive to the end of the Bullock Creek Road to begin your journey.
The 11.5km journey passes through temperate rain forest, multiple small rivers/creeks and precipitous limestone gorges that bring you into the heart of some of the most impressive canyons in the country. We’ll stay the night at the Ballroom Overhang, New Zealand’s largest rock bivvy.
The overhang is an awe-inspiring natural feature that is 10m at its highest point, 100m long, and 30m at its widest point. Cooking over an open campfire and camping underneath is an experience you’ll never forget.
Day 2 - Ballroom Overhang to Punakaiki via Fox River Mouth
Level of difficulty - Easy
6km (3.7 miles), 2-3hr
The following morning you’ll depart camp and follow the 6km track crossing the broad but usually gentle Fox River before heading down the delightfully secluded limestone canyon out to the coast. There are approximately 5 small river crossings, you’re guide will always be close by to cover river crossing techniques and to assure those who are less confident. You can truly appreciate the limestone landscape while hiking this section of track, and if the weather is warm the occasional deeper fords make for excellent swimming holes. After arriving at the mouth of Potikohua/Fox River you’ll be driven down the spectacular Coast Road 45 25 minutes back to Punakaiki.
