Last Updated: 30th Jun 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Punakaiki-Pororari loop

Punakaiki, West Coast

Submitted by Katie Smith

Last Updated: 30th Jun 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 14 ?

Gnarl Factor: 25 ?

11.0km

350m

350m

144m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Coastal

Riverside

Run Makeup

15%
5%
50%
30%

Sealed Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.2%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

1:40

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:45

Fast

This run heads up the Punakaiki River over a big swing bridge, climbing quickly into lush mature rainforest on a good track. The only real climb of the day is over by the 2.5km mark, then the track swoops down into the Pororari River catchment, where it joins the southern end of the Inland Pack Track. To extend the run you can turn right here and add as much distance as you like - the full Pack Track is 25km long. To continue the loop, turn left - the track takes you alongside the Pororari River with its stunning limestone cliffs looming overhead, in and out of small tunnels before popping out on the main road. To complete the loop, go left along the main road for 1km. Before you climb up over the bluff you will pass the entrance to Punakaiki Cavern, a nice little detour if you have a head torch. Then head up the bluff to where the track out to the blowholes and Pancake Rocks starts - you could extend your run further here but might find there are a few tourists sharing the track! Continue down the other side and back to the car park.

Beautiful limestone formations and little caves alongside the Pororari River.
Punakaiki Cave is a short detour off the bit of sealed road - take a torch.
The Weka Wall provides fun easy sport climbing by the original car park if you've got the gear!

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Plenty of parking. Buses available on a daily basis.

2 km

4 minutes

No

No

Easy.

As long as you turn left at the only track intersection you can't go wrong!

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Plenty from the rivers, small creeks also crossed

The bits of track by the Pororari can be slippery after rain - areas limestone rock

Punakaiki Tavern
Nice atmosphere, reasonable food.

Pancake Rocks Cafe
Great pancakes!

Fox River markets
If you're running on a Sunday through the summer, head up the Coast Road to the Fox River market for some great coffee and a wander on the beach, or another run up the Fox River track!

Trail Legend

Brad  Rivers

Brad Rivers

has completed Punakaiki-Pororari loop once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Punakaiki-Pororari loop

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

The old Inland Pack Track sections are no longer maintained. Doable but at some point it will adjust to reflect the new trail on the Punakaiki River side. Wonderful loop, on of the classics

Tony Sharpe

October 27

Great wee loop. Loved all the limestone, the lazy rivers, and the lush bush. Sooo many nikau palms! The Pororari track was nice and cool on a hot day. I decided to take the 1867 Historic Inland Pack Track detours for a bit of adventure. They were fine, but next time I would just stick to the main track.

Matt Halverson

February 15, 2023

Ran this in reverse from the Pororari River track carpark and enjoyed the undulating warmup for the legs. The hill section is beautifully graded for bikes so is wonderfully runable. Enabled by a car pickup I skipped the sealed path section after coming out at the swingbridge over Punakaiki River which is easily accessible to finish with a swim.

Rebecca Sunderland

December 27, 2021

Great easy track since it’s been regraded. Great views of the limestone cliffs at parts and gorgeous Nikau palms. Very accessible in both location and doability

Natasha Furness

February 16, 2021

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

Bullock Creek

Bullock Creek

Length: 15.4km

Level: Beginner

Porarari to Cave Creek

Porarari to Cave Creek

Length: 18.3km

Level: Beginner

Other trails nearby
The Paparoa

The Paparoa

Length: 55.0km

Level: Intermediate

Tiropahi Trail

Tiropahi Trail

Length: 19.5km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Punakaiki Loop

Punakaiki Loop

Length: 15.9km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Find more trails and peaks nearby