Paparoa Track Gear List
The Paparoa Track is a walk and a shared mountain bike track. DOC says its huts have gas cooktops and a water supply, but no food, cooking utensils or showers. Bike riders have extra rules.
What the huts give you, and what they do not
Huts
Bunks, mattresses, gas cooktops, toilets and a water supply at Ces Clark, Moonlight Tops and Pororari.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Not provided
Food, cooking utensils and showers.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Food
Carry spare food for emergencies and store food in a rodent-proof container.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
If you ride it
Grade
DOC grades the track Advanced, Grade 4, and says the Smoke-ho to Ces Clark Hut section is particularly tough.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Not allowed
E-bikes are not allowed, and riding at night is not allowed.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Time
DOC says to plan on one night on the track.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Safety gear DOC lists
Emergency shelter and distress beacon
On DOC's list, with a survival kit and map and compass.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
DOC's packing list
DOC prints this list on the track page. It does not mark each line as required or advised.
Pack and liner
A 40 to 60 liter backpack with a waterproof or plastic pack liner.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Sleeping bag
DOC lists a 3 to 4 season sleeping bag.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Drink bottle
One to two liters.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Eating and cooking gear
Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, a pot or pan, a cleaning kit and a tea towel.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Matches or a lighter
In a waterproof container.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
First aid kit
With blister treatment.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Survival kit
A survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil and high-energy snacks.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Map and compass
Plus other gear suited to the track and the season.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Torch and spare batteries
A torch is on DOC's list for the huts.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Rubbish bag
You carry out what you carry in.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Earplugs
For communal bunkrooms.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Booking confirmation and ID
Bring both.
From DOC: Paparoa Track
Gear questions for the Paparoa Track
Do Paparoa Track huts have gas cookers?
DOC says huts have gas cooktops, but no cooking utensils, food or showers.
Can you ride the Paparoa Track on an e-bike?
No. DOC says e-bikes are not allowed on the track.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on 30 October 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in New Zealand, call 111.