The park's ecosystems are diverse, ranging from dense lowland rainforests filled with towering podocarps, ferns, and nikau palms, to subalpine shrublands where resilient alpine plants like the Paparoa hebe flourish. This rich biodiversity supports a variety of native bird species, including the great spotted kiwi (roroa), the rare Westland petrel (tāiko), and the morepork (ruru), all thriving in the park's varied habitats. The Pororari and Fox Rivers meander through the landscape, creating deep gorges, and serene swimming holes, and providing vital freshwater ecosystems.

This national park wasn’t originally on our list as it was a bit off the track on the way to Arthur's Pass. I was glad that Kare insisted we visit it, as it offered a unique experience, blending landscapes reminiscent of both Thailand and New Zealand. With only two days, we hiked a modified Inland Pack Track, following the Fox River, camping under the Ballroom Overhang, and traversing several creeks, including Bullock Creek, before exiting through the scenic Pororari River Gorge.