Experience the Paparoa Great Walk in a new safety video
Media Release | For immediate release
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Paparoa Track, gets a new safety video with the aim of supporting mountain bikers and trampers preparing for the epic West Coast trail.
The new track safety video, launched today, was produced by the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in collaboration with Ngāti Waewae and the Department of Conservation (DOC). The shared-use track is an advanced 56.2km ride, or a 55km intermediate Great Walk, that travels through the Paparoa Range, along alpine tops and through thriving rainforests in the Paparoa National Park.
The video guides visitors through the amazing trail and highlights the varied conditions mountain bikers and trampers can expect, covering important tips including how to pack a balanced bike, a suggested packing list, the common risks and hazards, and key decision-making points.
While the track is open year-round, it’s not to be underestimated as it is exposed to severe weather with heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures at any time of year. Ice and snow are more common in the winter months, adding additional hazards that need to be taken into account when planning.
The video complements MSC’s Tramping Video Series that showcases 20 other tracks, all produced by Quite Nice Films. It was made with support from key partner organisations, as well as Ngāti Waewae who have been a strong advocate of the video, and gifted the introduction (mihi).
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said the new mountain biking video is part of a growing library of safety video resources aimed at improving the experience on some of the country’s popular backcountry tracks.
“We’re incredibly excited to launch this video and support riders and trampers as they tackle what is a truly spectacular, Aotearoa backcountry adventure.
“Everything we do is to encourage safe participation in land-based activities. We've put this video together as it provides trampers and mountain bikers with the information they need so that they know what to expect, and therefore what to prepare for, so that they make it home safely," he says.
DOC Greymouth Operations Manager Chris Hickford says since the Paparoa Track Great Walk opened in 2019 there’s been steadily increasing interest from mountain bikers and trampers alike.
“We’re also expecting the Pike29 Memorial Track, which opens on 17 February and will connect the Paparoa Track to the Pike River Valley, to be very popular.
“This video is a great tool for informing people about the Paparoa Track and safety factors to include in their planning,” he says.
Plan My Walk by MSC can help those planning to tackle the Paparoa Track by bike or walking, as it includes the new video, relevant weather and track alerts, a weather forecast, and interactive gear list. In seconds, users can easily create a trip plan and share with a trusted contact.
Watch now on YouTube or in Plan My Walk
ENDS
Contact Communications Advisor Rebekah Wilson with any queries.