Pike29 Memorial Track

Time: 4–5 hr one way from junction with Paparoa Track
Distance: 10.8 km one way

From the junction of Pike Ridge with the main Paparoa ridge the track heads east towards the Grey valley. The ridge top offers views into Pike valley and the Pike River Mine vent shaft to the north, and bush-clad valleys to the south. The vegetation consists of low alpine scrub and dwarf, weather-beaten alpine forest that could have come from a scene in a Tolkien text. The track then drops down into the Pike valley through virgin podocarp and red beech forest to its terminus at the Pike River Mine Interpretation Centre.

Getting there

The track can be started from its intersection with the Paparoa Track or from Pike car park on the Pike River Mine access road. To reach the car park from Blackball, follow Atarau Road for about 16 km, then turn into Logburn Road. Follow this for about 6 km then turn onto the Pike River Mine access road.

Remembering the Pike 29

The mine portal will be a place for quiet reflection of the 29 men killed inthe Pike River Mine tragedy. At the families’ wishes, the mine site and surrounding area has become part of Paparoa National Park. The men will be remembered through an information centre being developed at the Pike River Mine, where displays will tell the story of the mine and the 2010 disaster. Read about Pike River mine explosion.

This page uses data sourced from the Department of Conservation.