Southern Paparoa Range

Introduction

The tracks through the Southern Paparoas give you impressive reminders of the area's gold mining history while taking you through beautiful native forests.

On a clear day the Paparoa tops are a grand viewpoint, with a panorama out over the Grey River Valley to the Main Divide in one direction and across coastal flats to the Tasman Sea in another.

Features

Geology

The Southern Paparoa Range mainly consist of sedimentary rocks, formed on ancient sea beds and later thrust up by tectonic forces. Hard mudstone dominates, but some limestone, sandstone, conglomerates and coal seams may be found, along with occasional quartz outcrops.

Flora and fauna

The tracks on the Southern Paparoa Range traverse a range of vegetation types, reflecting changes in altitude and proximity to the coast or river valleys.

Native birds range from common forest birds to rarer species including kaka, falcon, blue duck/whio, fern bird and greated spotted kiwi/roroa. The Paparoa Wildlife Trust monitor great spotted kiwi/roroa and blue duck/whio in the area.

Introduced deer, goats and possums may be seen in the forest and out on the tops.

History

Maori cultural history in this area is ancient. Routes over the Paparoa Range from the Grey Valley to the coast were well known to Maori who pointed them out to Europeans who arrived during the mid 19th century.

Alluvial gold mining began in the area in 1864 and continued for many years, with some large sluicing claims established. The Anderson family made a good living near the flat where the Moonlight Track begins. George Moonlight gave his name to several places on the New Zealand goldfields. Today mining is only pemitted in a defined area along the Moonlight Creek and by using only hand tools.

Activities

Specialist activities: Gold fossicking

A recreational gold fossicking area has been established at Moonlight. You are invited to bring a goldpan and have a go at fossicking. No licence is required but your respect is appreciated.

The Department of Conservation manages a recreational 'Gold Fossicking Area' in part of the Moonlight Creek, from just above the confluence of Aynsley Creek to the upstream peg, just below the confluence of Nelson Creek. Look on the Crown Minerals website for more detailed information.

Fossick with care for the environment:

• Be informed of all statutory regulations that govern prospecting activities in New Zealand.
• Prospect only in the permitted area.
• Only drive your vehicles on tracks and roads open to the public.
• Do not remove or damage any shrubs or trees, and minimise damage to ground layer vegetation.
• Restore the ground as you found it. Backfill any holes you dig and replace any leaf litter as it was as best you can.
• Equipment for excavation on the land other than hand tools may not be used. Never use explosives.
• Don't disturb, destroy, interfere with or endanger an archaeological site or place of cultural significance.

Weather

Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on the tops. Snow is possible at any time of the year. Rain can quickly make even small streams treacherous to cross. Please check at the nearest DOC office for the latest updates.

Plan and prepare

Wear sturdy, comfortable tramping boots and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at any time of the year.

You are advised to carry a map and compass, a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, portable stove and fuel, sufficient food, basic first aid kit, raincoat, insect repellent and warm clothing including gloves and hat.

For track conditions, maps, weather forecasts and more information on the area contact the Greymouth Mawheranui Area Office.

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