Paparoa National Park is on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It was established in 1987 and encompasses 430 km2 (166 sq mi). The park ranges from on or near the coastline to the peak of the Paparoa Ranges. A separate section of the park lies to the north and is centered at Ananui Creek. The park protects a limestone karst area. The park contains several caves, of which Metro Cave / Te Ananui Cave is a commercial tourist attraction. The majority of the park is forested with a wide variety of vegetation. The park was the site of the 1995 Cave Creek disaster where fourteen people died as a result of the collapse of a scenic viewing platform. The small settlement of Punakaiki, adjacent to the Pancake Rocks tourist attraction, lies on the edge of the park. The park is also located near the towns of Westport, Greymouth, and Barrytown.
