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Paparoa (27,818 ha), established in 1987, is on the West Coast of the South Island between Westport and Greymouth. A rugged and lovely coastal area.
Paparoa national park is one of New Zealands smallest and is perhaps most famous for its pancake rocks of Dolomite point. Given National park status in 1987, after proposals to log the lowland forests during the 1970's were met with swift and vigorous action from environmental groups.
The unique landscape of the park is caused by millions of years of buckling, which created it's deep limestone canyons, high sculptures mountains and its elaborate system of caves.
The mild climate, heavy rainfall and fertile soils have encouraged a lush inland forest of podocarps, beech and broadleaf trees, this lowland forest supports the high density of native forest birds (the highest concentrations recorded in New Zealand) that can be found within the park. Tui, bellbirds and kereru (New Zealand pigeon) migrate seasonally between coastal and upland forests, the harsh whistling cry of the great spotted kiwi may also heard during the night.
KIWI GUIDE COMMENTS
Situated on the wild west coast (beware of heavy rainfall) This area offers excellent coastal walks including a historic pack horse track which was used during the gold rush days. There are excellent caves to be found but I would suggest that only expert cavers undertake this activity as the caves are deep and travel for miles under the ground.
K.G.
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