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New & Reopened Walking & Cycling Tracks around New Zealand
Paparoa Track
The much awaited Paparoa track fully opened on the 1st of March for both cyclists and hikers. It takes you through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests, and provides breath-taking views.
Time: 3 days walking, 2 days mountain biking (no e-bikes)
Distance: 55 km walking, 56. 2 km mountain biking (no-e-bikes)
There are three Great Walk huts on the Paparoa Track: Ces Clark Hut (16 bunks), Moonlight Tops Hut (20 bunks) and Pororari Hut (20 bunks). Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, gas cooktops, toilets, and a water supply.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
The new Alps 2 Ocean trail section between between Lake Aviemore and Kurow is open.
This is great news for cyclists as it takes the trail off a busy section of road and adds incredible views from the top of the new switch-backs like the one above!
Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail
Cyclists planning a ride during their next summer holidays in Central Otago will have a new, car-free route available to them.
The 54km Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail, between Cromwell and Clyde, is scheduled to be finished by November.
Recently Reopened
So far DOC has re-opened 51 of the 78 tracks that were damaged on the 3rd of February. This includes a return journey for the Milford Track and Routeburn Tracks.
Milford Track
The Milford Track has re-opened as a three-day return journey now called the Southern Milford-Mackinnon Experience.
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn has re-opened following the February floods as a return walk for independent walkers using the sections that are open. It's a 4-day, 3-night hike beginning and ending at the Routeburn Shelter. This return journey starts and finishes near Glenorchy.