Built in 1867 during the gold rush to avoid dangerous coastal travel, the Inland Pack Track gives access to some of the finest features of Paparoa National Park.

There are no huts along the way, but there is sheltered camping under the Ballroom Overhang, where there is a toilet.

There are many river and creek crossings on this track. They rise quickly in the rain and may become impassable. Check the Paparoa National Park weather forecast and plan to tramp during dry weather. Pick a different track if rain is forecast, or if it recently rained heavily.

Track to the Ballroom Overhang.

Punakaiki River to Pororari River

Time: 1 hr
Distance: 3.5 km

The Inland Pack Track traditionally starts from the Waikori Road car park with the crossing of a large suspension bridge. This section is well formed as the biking entrance/exit to the Paparoa Track Great Walk. Bikes may be encountered on this dual use section.

The track winds its way over a ridge. It then drops back down into the Pororari River Valley and passes through rainforest, kamahi and beech forest.

An alternative to the Punakaiki River entrance is the Pororari River Track.

Pororari River Track Junction to Bullock Creek

Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 5 km

From where the Pororari River Track and Inland pack track meet, continue up the Paparoa Track for a few minutes to the Lower Pororari Swing Bridge.

Crossing this bridge leaves the Great Walk Track and becomes a tramping track. This part of the track was heavily damaged during Cyclone Ita. The track has been cleared but you can still see damage to many large trees. You'll also see regeneration in the clearings created by fallen trees.

There are many tomo (sinkholes) and grikes (fissures) in this section, so stick to the track. You can see some of these next to the track.

Beyond the windfall there are still abundant old growth rimu and a diverse range of ferns. Just before you reach old Bullock Creek Farm is the Cave Creek Memorial track. The track to Bullock Creek follows and old farm road. There is no bridge across Bullock Creek and this can become impassable during and after heavy rain.

Bullock Creek to Fossil Creek

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 7 km

The farm road continues before narrowing to a single track skirting a swamp through rimu-beech forest. It climbs over the ridge dividing the Bullock Creek and Fox River Catchments and drops down to fossil creek. Many of the structures in this part are damaged and slippery. Take extra care.

Fossil Creek to Fox River / Dilemma Creek Junction (no formed track)

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 4 km

There is no formed track in this section. Follow Fossil Creek downstream for about 30 min to Dilemma Creek, which is also followed downstream to Fox River. The forested limestone canyon is one of the most dramatic sections of the Inland Pack Track. This section has numerous crossings which change often, You need good river crossing skills.

There are sections of windfalls down Fossil Creek. You need appropriate navigation skills and may need extra time.

The Ballroom Overhang is a side track from here. 

Dilemma Creek / Fox River Junction to Fox River Mouth

Time: 1 hr 30 min 
Distance: 5 km

From here the Inland Pack Track is a formed track again on the true left of Fox River.

The track follows the gorge for 2 km climbing and dropping to negotiate bluffs. There are several good lookout points.

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.

A wide river crossing brings you to the true right of the river. The track continues downstream with some river bed travel. Orange markers take you back into a forested track section leading back to the Fox River car park.

Start from either of these points:

• At the end of Waikori Road, 800 m south of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.
• From the Pororari River Track car park, 1 km north of the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre.
• An alternative access is the car park at the end of Bullock Creek road.

The Inland Pack Track is recommended South to North following Fossil and Dilemma Creek downstream, but can also be done in reverse from the Fox River car park.

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 there are 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

Damaged structures and track, fallen trees

Some of the structures between Bullock Creek farm and Fossil Creek were damaged in a cyclone and are slippery. These are being repaired over time. Take extra care walking this section.

Walkers will also have to negotiate fallen trees – allow extra time.

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.

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.

No camping near Paparoa Track

Camping is prohibited within 500 m of the Paparoa Track. This includes the sections from the Waikori Road car park and Pororari River Track car park to the lower Pororari swing bridge.