If you’re craving untouched wilderness, misty ridgelines, and golden tussock stretching to the horizon, look no further than the Paparoa Track — one of New Zealand’s newest and most scenic Great Walks. Opened in 2019, this trail takes you through the beating heart of the Paparoa National Park on the West Coast, combining lush rainforest, alpine ridges, and limestone canyons into one unforgettable multi-day hike or ride.

What Makes the Paparoa Track Special ✨

Unlike some of the older Great Walks, the Paparoa Track feels wild and raw. It’s a place where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul, except maybe a weka or two. The views are panoramic and cinematic — like something out of a fantasy film.

🏔️ Alpine Vistas: Ridgeline sections with sweeping views over the West Coast and beyond.

🌳 Rainforest Immersion: Ferns, moss-covered trees, and lush native bush that feels ancient.

🪨 Limestone Drama: Sheer cliffs and gorges carved by time and water.

🎒 Dual Use: Open to both hikers and mountain bikers — one of only a few Great Walks that allows both.

The Saida Experience 💫

While “Saida” isn’t a formal name on the Paparoa map, if you’re referring to the “scenic” side or soulful journey aspect, then the entire track feels like a slow-motion nature documentary. It’s not just a hike — it’s a healing experience, perfect for those looking to reset, reconnect, or simply soak up nature’s rhythm.

Highlights include:

Moonlight Tops Hut: One of the most scenic hut locations in New Zealand, perched on a ridge with views for days.

Pororari River Gorge: Towering limestone cliffs and a serene, mossy wonderland.

Sunsets over the coast that feel like the world is standing still.

Track Essentials 🗺️

🕒 Length: 55 km

📅 Duration: 2–3 days (tramping), 1–2 days (mountain biking)

🛌 Huts: Ces Clark, Moonlight Tops, Pororari — all bookable via DOC

🔁 Direction: Can be walked from Smoke-ho car park (Blackball side) to Punakaiki, or reversed.

Tips for Trekkers 📝

Book early: Especially during summer — this is a Great Walk for a reason!

Pack light but smart: Weather changes quickly in the mountains — take layers.

Camera-worthy: Bring a power bank — you’ll stop for photos a lot.

Hydration: Water is available at huts but always good to carry a purifier.

Take your time: It’s not a race — the Paparoa is meant to be felt, not rushed.

Why I Loved It ❤️

I didn’t expect the Paparoa Track to feel so… sacred. It’s not just beautiful, it’s humbling. Walking through ancient landscapes shaped by time and weather, hearing only the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong — it reminded me of the power and peace of wild places.

Whether you’re healing, seeking, or just exploring, the Paparoa Track offers something rare: clarity.