Paparoa Track reopens ahead of schedule

Date:  12 May 2022

The section of the Great Walk between the northern end of the Escarpment and Pororari Hut had been closed since 21 April 2022, when a rainstorm brought down a big slip. Repair work was initially expected to take until 25 May.

Department of Conservation Greymouth Acting Operations Manager Darrell Haworth says about 10 m of track surface had fallen away down a very long, steep slope making for a challenging fix.

“The crew has done an outstanding job by successfully reforming a section of track so it’s now safe for visitors to cross the slip site.

“We’ve still got more work to do at the site, but it can be done while visitors are present with sentries in place. The reshaping work will take about a week to complete so there might be minor delays there.”

“I know the closure meant some track users had to change their plans. We really appreciate walkers and bikers' patience and understanding through the closure and remediation process.”

Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the remaining track work.

While the section between the Escarpment and Pororari Hut was closed, walkers and mountain bikers were still able to use the Paparoa Track as an in and out trip from either end, as the huts remained open.

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