By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -41.97787, 171.45751. 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
- 10 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hrs
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Paparoa National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
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
Follow a historic tramway through Tiropahi gorge to an open pakihi.
This DOC directory entry covers Tiropahi 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: 10 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hrs
- DOC grade: Advanced
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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the sign posted turn off on SH6 follow the short gravel road to the Tiropahi car park. This tramping track starts by crossing the Four Mile/Tiropahi River and continues up the scenic valley.
After 1 hour of walking there is a short side track that leads to historic tramway remnants 10 min return. After this continue on walking to the old forestry road and to the “pakihi view” (boggy land with rushes and ferns) this is the end of the DOC managed Tirophahi track. Return via the same track.
Be prepared for a backcountry track experience. You may experience fallen trees, overgrown vegetation, and rough uneven terrain. Be prepared to turn back if needed.
Getting there
The track is 8 km south of Charleston or 21 km north of Punakaiki on SH6. The track is signposted from the highway.
A car park is located 200 m off SH6 however the gravel road leading to the carpark can become undrivable during or after heavy rain.
Know before you go
Expect challenging track conditions
Some sections of the track have steep drop offs. Always stick to the track and ensure children are supervised at all times.
A river crossing is required at the start of the track. This can be uncrossable during or after heavy rain.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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.
