Winding from Blackball to Punakaiki through the Paparoa National Park’s stunning karst landscapes; beech and podocarp forest, the track is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the West coast of New Zealand. The newest Great Walk opened this weekend was created using 14km of existing trail, with 41km of new track built.
Paul Carberry, founder of New Zealand In Depth, added; “With its stunning landscapes, forests and views, we expect this to be a really popular choice for visitors. More than 6600 nights have already been booked into the huts, out of the 8500 available in the next 12 months – so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for this one.”
The Great Walk has been built by DOC on behalf of the NZ Government with another 11km extension to the trail, the Pike 29 Memorial Track, still under construction. It will pay tribute to the 29 men who lost their lives in the 2010 Pike Mine disaster.
New Zealand Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said the tracks would “create a lasting legacy and a significant new recreational and economic opportunity for the West Coast”.
The new Paparoa Trail is recommended to combine with a 12-day New Zealand adventure with New Zealand In Depth costing from £2,400 per person, excluding international flights. 12 night’s accommodation, two nights in Department of Conservation Huts on the Paparoa Track, car hire, track transfer and Tranz Alpine train. The price excludes flights and optional additional activities.
“The Paparoa Trail joins some of the country’s most famous trails including Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit – many of which sell out through the year”, adds Paul Carberry from New Zealand In Depth. “Our team take experiences like the new trail and combine them with a luxury adventure to experience the best food, wine, culture and nature New Zealand has to offer.”
For more information and advice on travel to New Zealand, visit www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk.
Photographs of the Paparoa Trail by Jason Blair.
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