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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.22120, 171.47708. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 11.6 km one way
- Walking time
- 5-6 hr uphill | 3 hr 30 min-4 hr 30 min downhill
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Paparoa National Park
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This track has been dedicated to the 29 men killed in the Pike Mine disaster and is named in their honour.
This DOC directory entry covers Pike29 Memorial Track in West Coast, within Paparoa National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 11.6 km one way
- Walking time: 5-6 hr uphill | 3 hr 30 min-4 hr 30 min downhill
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Description
The Pike29 Memorial Track climbs from the former Pike River Mine site to the junction with the Paparoa Track.
Pike29 Memorial Carpark to the Twin Bridges: 10-15 min walk from the carpark (return)
Pike29 Memorial Carpark to the vent shaft viewpoint (one way): 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr walk | 2 - 3 hr mountain bike (8.4 km)
Track description
From the Pike River Mine site, the shared-use track heads up Pike valley through virgin podocarp and red beech forest. The vegetation consists of low alpine scrub and dwarf, weatherbeaten alpine forest. It is a steep climb of about 800 m of elevation to the tops.
The ridgetop offers views into Pike valley and the Pike River mine vent shaft to the north, and bush-clad valleys to the south. The track then descends towards the Paparoa Track junction.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
From Greymouth, turn off SH 6 onto Taylorville Road. Turn left into Taylorville-Blackball Road. This road becomes Atarau Road.
Turn off from Atarau Road onto Logburn Road 15 km north-east of Blackball, and follow to the end (becomes Pike Valley Road).
Note: The Pike River Road is a narrow, windy gravel road with speed limits posted along the road. The road bridges have weight limits for heavy vehicles of single axle 6T and tandem axle of 14T. The car park and turnaround space at the road end by the Pike29 Memorial Track are small so buses and long campervans are not recommended.
Know before you go
Be prepared for bad weather
Weather in the Paparoa National Park is changeable. Heavy rain can occur with little warning. Be prepared for rain, heavy fog, snow and high wind.
If you are hiking or biking in winter, check snow and ice conditions before you leave and allow extra time. Consider changing your trip to another day if needed.
Paparoa National Park weather forecast – NIWA website
The track is steep, be prepared for a long climb
If you are starting your hike or bike ride from the Pike29 Memorial Track car park, be prepared for a steep track. You will need a good level of fitness. The track climbs approximately 800 m of elevation to the tops before descending down to the Paparoa Track junction.
What to take
Pack warm layers, a rain coat and wear sturdy boots. Take plenty of food and water with you. It might be lots colder at the tops than at the car park.
What to pack for a day hike.
Mountain biking rules
E-bikes are not allowed. E-bikes are prohibited under the Paparoa National Park Management Plan.
Riding at night is not allowed, to protect nocturnal species found on the track.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
History and culture
Remembering the Pike29
The 29 men killed in the Pike River mine disaster will be remembered in a number of ways. At the families wishes, the mine site and surrounding area has become part of the Paparoa National Park.
A track has been constructed from the former mine site to the Paparoa Track. This track has been dedicated to the men and named the Pike29 Memorial Track in their honour.
Read more about the Pike Valley and Pike29 Memorial mine site.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
