Paparoa Track (cycling/walking track)

The Department of Conservation developed a shared use track for both walkers and mountain bikers over the Paparoa Ranges, on the West Coast.  The new track is 65kms long and links existing tracks at each end, running from Blackball to Punakaiki. The new track was opened in December 2019 after a four year long planning and construction process.  This project involved environmentally sensitive land, including land within the Paparoa National Park, with unique flora and flora, heritage track sections, as well as landscape amenity to be protected.

MEM input 

• Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) involving the management of seven specialists.
• Detailed mitigation measures for the construction phase.
• Planner’s assessment of Maori cultural values.
• Resource consents obtained from the regional council.