Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Punakaiki-Pororari loop
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 25 ?
11.0km
350m
350m
144m
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 25 ?
11.0km
350m
350m
144m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Coastal
Riverside
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.0%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.2%
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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!
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Beautiful track. I am pleased I got the road section dine first as that would have been a grind at the end
February 28
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
October 27, 2024
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.
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.
December 27, 2021
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.
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