About the track

Some of the park’s finest limestone features are in this area. The Ballroom Overhang, about 500 m upstream from the Fox River/Dilemma Creek confluence, is a large limestone outcrop providing a safe place to shelter or camp overnight. It’s also a good option to visit as a day hike. There is a toilet at the overhang.

There are several unbridged river crossings of the Fox River on this track. The river can rise rapidly and become impassable during heavy rain, so check the Paparoa National Park forecast before you go and plan to hike in dry weather. Pick a different track if rain is forecast or if it recently rained heavily.

Route description

The Ballroom Overhang is reached via the Inland Pack Track, starting from the car park at the mouth of the Fox River. The first part of the track follows the true right of the river through bush and over braided riverbed sections. After about 30 minutes, a river crossing is required to rejoin the track on the true left of the river.

Be aware: this first crossing of the Fox River is not always the deepest. The crossing at the junction of Fox River and Dilemma Creek can be deeper.

On the true left of the river, the track continues for 2 km through the gorge. It frequently climbs and drops to negotiate bluffs. A 60 m section of the track is badly damaged approximately 40 minutes by foot from Fox River carpark. Take care and follow the track via a marked diversion.

The formed track ends at the confluence of Fox River and Dilemma Creek, where the track becomes a route. From here, there is a further 500 m of river-bed travel and river crossings to reach the Ballroom Overhang, located on the true left of the Fox River.

The Ballroom Overhang is reached via the Inland Pack Track, signposted by the main road bridge at Fox River, 12 km north of Punakaiki.

Tramping skills and experience needed

This is a challenging tramping track, recommended for experienced trampers only. It requires navigation and river crossing skills. The track is steep, rough and unformed in places. It follows the riverbed at times and has many river crossings.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Stay on the track to avoid sinkholes

This is a limestone (kaarst) area, which means sinkholes, chasms and flash flooding are common. These sinkholes and chasms are not marked and can be hard to see. We recommend staying on the track to avoid them.

Ongaonga (stinging nettles) in this area

Beware of ongaonga (stinging nettle). It is especially common in limestone areas and the sting is painful.