The Pororari River track, located on the west coast of the South Island is a beautiful day walk. This easy hike explores a jungle like limestone canyon.
Before visiting the upper west coast of the South Island of New Zealand I did some research into the best walks. Everything mentioned the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks as a highlight, a crazy rock formation on the coast with blowholes. We took a quick walk there and luckily still had time so we walked up the Pororari River Track. This unexpected walk became one of my favourites in this area of the west coast.
Pororari River Track Highlights And Logistics
Highlights – Limestone cliffs, both sub-tropical and temperate vegetation, and gorgeous boulder strewn river.
Location – Paparoa National Park on the northern part of the west coast of the South Island.
Length Of Walk – 7.5 km return; about 1 1/2 hours return.
Difficulty – Easy
About The Pororari River Track
From the carpark the walk makes its way up the dramatic limestone canyon. This walk is actually the start of the Paparoa Great Walk, well at least the start for walkers. Bikers have a different start to the great walk.
There are a few little ups and downs on the trail, but for the most part the track gently climbs up the canyon alongside the river.
The lower part of the canyon really feels like a jungle somewhere in south-east Asia due to the limestone cliffs, nikau palms, tree ferns, and the boulder strewn river.
As you keep walking the canyon opens up a bit, the track becomes a bit steeper, and the vegetation changes to more temperate as opposed to sub-tropical.
The end point for this loop is a swing bridge that goes over the river. The bridge is just past a junction where this track from the coast joins up with an inland route. The bridge is super cool, offering great views up and down stream.
My Insider’s Tips For The Pororari River Track
If you happen to explore the area on a hot day then be sure to take a refreshing swim in the river. The track passes by numerous small pools that you can easily hop off the track and enjoy.
You can rent some kayaks and explore the river by water. Try paddling upstream as it will give you a very different view of the magnificent limestone canyon than you get from the trail.