Twelve WTMC members spent the Matariki long weekend exploring the Paparoa Range, enjoying outstanding weather, spectacular scenery, and great company throughout the trip.
The adventure began on the travel day with a stop at Mount Robert in Nelson Lakes National Park for a leg-stretcher. Despite the chilly winter temperatures, the weather was beautifully clear and sunny, providing excellent views and a taste of the fine conditions that would accompany us for much of the weekend. The photo from the top of Mount Robert to the range in the distance reminded me of a Graham Sydney Painting.
Saturday: Smoke-ho Car Park to Moonlight Tops Hut (via Croesus Knob)
Distance: 22.0 km
Ascent: 1,307 m
Descent: 584 m
Saturday’s journey took us up to Moonlight Tops under clear skies and warm winter sunshine. There are side tips well worth the effort. The first is an old historic hut from the old mining days (Garden Gully) for morning tea/lunch (5 mins from the track in a lovely flat spot sunny spot). The second, past Ces Clarke is Croesus Knob, exceptional and expansive views over to the Tasman Sea, the southern alps, and the west coast.
As evening arrived, we were treated to an epic west coast sunset, with brilliant shades of orange, pink, and gold lighting up the horizon from Moonlight Tops and providing one of the standout moments of the trip. The track was in very good condition, although the hard, dry surface underfoot left many of us with sore feet by day’s end.
Sunday: Moonlight Tops Hut to Pororari Hut (plus Pike River Mine Shaft side trip)
Distance: 26.5 km (18.53 km plus 8 km side trip)
Ascent: 459 m
Descent: 953 m
Sunday started with an impromptu netball warm up on the deck and then continuing along the Paparoa Track, including a return side trip to the Pike River Mine Shaft Viewpoint. Once again, the weather in the morning was superb, with extensive views along the range and towards the coast.
During the afternoon, low cloud drifted into the valleys and clung to the surrounding hills. By evening, the cloud hanging in the trees and wrapping the eastern hills created a magical atmosphere around Pororari Hut. The setting sun illuminated the cloud from below, delivering a second spectacular sunset and another photographic highlight of the weekend.
Monday: Pororari Hut to Pororari River Track Car Park
Distance: 16.69 km
Ascent: 174 m
Descent: 692 m
Monday’s walk out provided a striking contrast to the exposed tops. The Pororari River Track wound through beautiful rainforest that felt almost tropical in character. The route followed the river through impressive karst limestone gorges and beneath dramatic cliffs, while groves of nikau palms and lush forest added to the distinct West Coast atmosphere. The combination of towering limestone formations, dense forest, and easy gradients made for a wonderful final day on foot.
Before heading home, the group also stopped at the iconic Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki for a short walk and one last chance to enjoy the spectacular West Coast scenery.
Over the three days, the group covered approximately 65 km, with a total of 1,940 m of ascent and 2,229 m of descent. Combined with flawless weather, memorable side trips, dramatic Paparoa landscapes, two outstanding sunsets, and excellent company, it was an exceptional Matariki weekend and WTMC trip.