The Inland Pack Track was created in the mid 1800’s for gold miners to move through the area.

It’s a fantastic 10k walk full of really interesting gold mining history.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: West Coast of the South Island
  • Distance: 10.00 kms
  • Time needed: 3 Hours
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Round Trip
  • Elevation: 140m
  • Wet Feet: Yes
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: No
  • Last Updated: November, 2019

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Summary points about this walk

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Points of interest along the walk​

Point 1: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track – Start

From the town ship, walk south down the main road. Across the Punakaiki River bridge. Then turn to the left at the Grey District sign.

Point 2: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

Now walk to the end of the dirt road to the river. Don’t try to cross this river when it is in flood.

Point 3: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The start of the track is only 100m down the farm track. There is a small emergency hut on your right just before the track.

Point 4: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The track starts off with a pleasant grass lined walkway. But don’t be fooled, you have a pleasant 25 minute uphill walk to the saddle.

Point 5: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The downhill amble is very pleasant you will notice the change in the bush as you walk from the saddle down to the Pororari river.

 

Point 6: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

At this turn off you need to take the left fork down the Pororari River Track. To the right will take you deep in to the Inland Pack Track.

Point 7: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The walk down the river is a limited view of the river. You can walk off the track and down to the river, but take care you might walk over the edge of a cliff!

Point 8: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

At the steps, look back up the Pororari River to see the bluffs, they look really neat.

Point 9: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The next set of steps look like a dead end, but as you reach the top and look round the corner you are met with a little squeeze through some rocks.

Point 10: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

The last bridge to cross. A few minutes more and you can take a few minutes to sit on a bench and look up river for the last time.
You are only 10 minutes from the car park now.

Point 11: Gold Miners Inland Pack Track

From the car park walk out on to the main road and turn left and walk back to your car in Punakaiki township. This should take 15 minutes unless you have a look at the Punakaiki caves on the way.

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