8 December, 2025 | Youth Award Grant – Fielding High School students hit the West Coast’s Paparoa Range for a four-day, 55-kilometre hike.

The Paparoa Track is set in the Paparoa Ranges along the West Coast south of Westport. Our group consisted of four adults and six students. This tramp would count as Silver, qualifying for the Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

Preparations

In preparation for the journey, we calculated the distance of each day and estimated how long the days would take us. Each member was sent a packing list to ensure enough warm clothing and weather-appropriate attire were brought. The night before we started our adventure, we all went through our gear and handed out some extra group gear, including a first aid kit, PLB, inreach and emergency fly. We also carried maps and compasses.

On day one, we walked close to five hours to the Ces Clark hut

On the way, we took a side track to see a historic hut and the old stamping battery used for mining. We were welcomed at the hut by a friendly weka and the rain. Cards were played into the evening, dinner was cooked, and we were all off to bed.

Day 2 started with an incline around the side of a peak

Soon we were walking along the tops with occasional views when the fog cleared for long enough. This journey was short but sweet as we soon arrived at Moonlight Tops Hut after just three hours and ten kilometres. From here, we had awesome three-sixty views of other ranges and the ocean.

The Afternoon was filled with more cards till the sun started setting. We walked to watch the sunset and saw two goats grazing above us.

Day three was our longest day, nineteen kilometres

During the day, we had views of the Pike River mine shaft. We walked along the top of the escarpment and then stopped at the emergency shelter for an early lunch.

After another hour’s walk, we made it to Pororari hut, where we spent our final night. Here we had another bright sunset and a Weka family living around the hut. As we went to bed, we could hear Kiwis.

Our final 16 kilometres went by in a blur; it was a sight downhill to the river. We followed the river a couple of kilometres and finished at the Pororari River carpark.

To end our tramp, we had a swim in the river at the car park, before starting our journey to Westport.

“We would like to thank the sponsorship from the Federated Mountain Club and the Maerewhenua trust that contributed and made this trip possible.”

We’re delighted to share another trip report from recent recipients of FMC’s Youth Award Grant. These grants are awarded four times a year, so if you’re inspired to get some financial support, head over to FMC’s website to apply.