Press release: DOC Greymouth
The official opening date for the Pike29 Memorial Track is set!
On 17 Feb 2024 the Pike29 Memorial Track will officially open to the public.
This memorial track, dedicated to the memory of the 29 men who died as a result of the Pike River mine disaster in 2010, is a significant step in the staged development of the wider Pike River Mine memorial site. This will be a place for all New Zealanders to visit, to remember, reflect and pay their respects to the Pike 29.
As it winds between the valley floor and the tops of the range, the Pike29 Memorial Track introduces visitors to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine and what has been learnt from the disaster.
Future development will focus on the mine portal site providing a quiet place of memorial and reflection, and an interpretation (story telling) centre in the former administration buildings for people to visit and learn about the mine and the tragedy.
Pike29 Memorial Track - what you need to know
Pike29 Memorial Track - what you need to know
The shared-use track (hiking and mountain biking) climbs steadily to about 945m from the Pike29 Memorial Track carpark passing through spectacular landscape from luxuriant forest to alpine scrub. En route, a viewpoint overlooking the Pike River Mine ventilation shaft provides a resting place and a sombre reminder of the reality of the coal mine explosion.
From there, the track follows a forested ridgeline for about 3.2 kms before meeting the Paparoa Track/Pike29 Memorial Track junction between Moonlight Tops and Pororari Huts. It provides an alternative entry and exit point for those using the Paparoa Track.
Day users can do a short walk from the Pike29 track carpark to the twin bridges or opt for a challenging day hike to the vent shaft viewpoint and back.
The track is a Grade 4 mountain bike.
Note: There is no public access to the Pike River Mine amenities or portal area. Future development of this area will occur, and it will be opened to the public at a later date.
