Relatively unknown, the Paringa Track is a prime example of pure NZ “backcountry tramping”. Located on the wild west coast of the South Island, the Paringa Track is steeped with history. Mobs of stock moved through this track in the 1940s, moving cattle from the West Coast to yard sales held a good 2 weeks journey inland. Re-opened in the 1980s as a historic walking track, the Paringa Track allows you to experience rugged New Zealand landscapes first hand and offers a sense of backcountry adventure not found on the more popular “Great Walks”.
There are three huts on the Paringa Track, of which we stay in two. All huts have:
The first hut, “Blowfly Hut” is our lunch spot on the first day.
Previous walking experience is not necessary, however reasonable fitness is required as the track in parts is effected by slips and you may need to negotiate obstacles and rough ground on some parts. As there are several stream crossings, wet feet will be unavoidable! Clients should therefore have good solid walking boots and enjoy a reasonable degree of challenge.
Pick ups from hotels and depart from Queenstown early at 6am! Drive to the beginning of the track which is just north of Haast. Walk to Blowfly Hut (approx 1.5 hours) and have lunch there. After lunch carry onto Maori Saddle Hut where clients will stay for the night. This is a gradual climb through ferns and rimu, and then becomes predominately beech forest as you gain altitude. The track crosses 5 streams and takes approximately 5-6 hours from Blowfly Hut to reach Maori Saddle Hut.
From Maori Saddle Hut there is a side trip to Lake Law which offers a great way to wash off the day’s exertions!
Prepare for the true backcountry as today there are 15 or so stream crossings! This is the hardest day of walking despite it being downhill most of the way. A geological highlight appears in the form of the main divide fault line which creates a discernable section of bluffs. Although appearing intimidating from a distance, the track doesn’t actually cross the bluffs but veers off to an open area which makes for a perfect lunch spot (with great views and the odd kea fossicking if you are lucky!) After lunch carry on to the Coppermine Hut where you will stay the night -the gradient flattens out and the walking becomes easier. Approximate walking time of 7-9 hours.
The last day of the track is relatively easy walking along the flats of the Waita River. Its is only about a 2 hour walk to the road, where you will get picked up by a bus and taken back to Queenstown – perhaps with a well deserved beer at the Haast Pub along the way!
Trips depart every Tuesday during the summer walking season (November - March). A non-refundable deposit of $100 secures your space on the trip. The remaining balance is due 4 weeks prior to the departure date.
Retail $999 per person
