Paparoa: Walkways, History and Market

Discover Paparoa through its walkways, an unusual history of goods transport and a market offering fruit, vegetables and local crafts. You can plan your stay around walks, local history and regional experiences.

Walks and Pa History

The Lion’s Walkway Extension begins beside State Highway 12 in the town of Paparoa. Its easy first section takes 20 minutes to reach the foot of the pa site. The 20 minutes refers to this first section; from there, the track continues over a boardwalk through mangroves to Pahi Road.

At the Paparoa Pa Site, an easy walking track also winds through bush to the remains of the pa site. Its entrance is just south of the town. The two route descriptions offer different points of reference for planning: a named first section on the Lion’s Walkway Extension, and the bush track to the remains of the pa site.

Local History, Market and Events

Before 1880, Cliff’s Landing in Paparoa served as an unloading point for goods brought across from Pahi. Horses then hauled the goods along a wire rope to the store. This history brings the former transport route to life: unloading goods at the river and transporting them on to the store were part of the same process.

Trees line the riverbank, and there are picnic tables, well-kept lawns and gardens. This setting offers a different focus from a walk through the bush. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

A self-guided walk to the town’s historic buildings offers another way to discover Paparoa’s local history. At the Paparoa Farmers Market on the Village Green in Paparoa, you’ll find vegetables, fruit and local crafts. This means that when planning your trip, you can choose from walks, historic places, market produce and crafts as distinct themes.

The Paparoa A&P Show is considered one of New Zealand’s longest-running events. The 150th show is scheduled for 6 February 2027; this date gives you a specific reference point if you’d like to plan your trip around the event.

Beyond Paparoa: the Kaipara District

The wider Kaipara District offers further natural and cultural attractions. The Kai Iwi Lakes lie within a 538-hectare recreation reserve. White-sand freshwater dune lakes, known for their clear water, define the area. The lakes are suitable for safe swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and water skiing. Check water conditions and safety requirements before taking part.

The Kaihu Valley Trail offers a different focus: its first section officially opened on 10 June 2023. The trail is part of the Heartland Rides/Kauri Coast Cycleway and generally follows a historic railway line built in 1896 to serve the kauri industry between Dargaville and Donnellys Crossing. The route may change as further sections are developed.

Trounson Kauri Park also broadens the picture of the Kaipara District. The 586-hectare reserve contains an impressive stand of kauri trees. Since 1995, it has been managed as a mainland island to restore native biodiversity and give visitors a glimpse of original kauri forest. Threatened species living there include the North Island brown kiwi, kūkupa, pekapeka bats and kauri snails; sightings are not guaranteed.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

Then choose the specific location of your accommodation based on the destinations you have selected.

Discover more destinations

Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Donnellys Crossing, Mangawhai, Dargaville, Baylys Beach, Kaihu

For the wider travel overview: Kaipara District.