Pororari River Track

The Pororari River Track begins at the northern end of Punakaiki and is accessed directly from SH6. The car park is located immediately south of the highway bridge over the Pororari River.

From the car park, the track follows the Pororari River upstream along the true left bank through primeval-looking forest of dense nīkau palm groves and towering northern rātā. Sheer limestone bluffs rise from the river on both sides, showcasing the uplifted karst landscape that has been carved over millions of years by the Pororari River. The track starts off relatively flat and easy, with viewpoints to admire views up the gorge.

As you continue upstream, the gorge becomes progressively narrower and the track correspondingly steeper and rougher in places, with steps, exposed roots and overhanging boulders to negotiate. After approximately 3 km, the gorge opens out as the track leaves the limestone belt and enters the gentler terrain of the Barrytown Syncline. No longer confined by towering bluffs, the track continues beside the river to the first of two junctions, where the Paparoa Track branches right (south). This section was originally part of the Inland Pack Track but was realigned as the mountain-bike exit route for the Paparoa Track. This junction provides the first option for completing a circuit back to the car park (see below).

A short distance further on, you’ll reach a second junction where the Inland Pack Track branches left and crosses the river via a suspension bridge. This provides the second circuit option, returning via the Inland Pack Track and Bullock Creek Rd. For the shortest out-and-back walk, turn around here and retrace your steps to the car park.

This circuit follows the Paparoa Track over a low saddle before descending through podocarp-kāmahi forest into the Punakaiki River Valley, which runs parallel to the Pororari Gorge to the south. The track emerges at the Waikori Rd trailhead. From here, follow Waikori Rd to SH6, then use the roadside footpath through Punakaiki to return to the Pororari River Track car park.

After crossing the suspension bridge, the Inland Pack Track traverses gently undulating terrain. Large areas of forest along this section were heavily damaged by windfall during Cyclone Ita, creating a noticeably different landscape from the lush forests of the gorge.

After several kilometres, the track re-enters Paparoa karst country, passing sinkholes, chasms, and hidden underground waterways. The sound of flowing and dripping water can often be heard beneath the ground, highlighting the extensive cave systems that lie below the surface. Care should be taken to remain on the formed track, as the surrounding terrain contains concealed holes and unstable ground.

The track passes the junction to the Cave Creek Memorial Track before reaching the end of Bullock Creek Rd. Follow the road back towards the coast, then use the footpath alongside SH6 to return to the Pororari River Track car park.