Paparoa Range
| Paparoa Range | |
|---|---|
Paparoa Range | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Uriah |
| Elevation | 1,525 m (5,003 ft) |
| Coordinates | 42°01′08″S 171°38′35″E / 42.019°S 171.643°E |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 70 km (43 mi) |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Named by Ngāti Wairangi, translated as "the broad back" or "the rocky ridge" |
| Native name | Te Paparoa (Māori) |
| Geography | |
| Range coordinates | 42°0′S 171°35′E / 42.000°S 171.583°E |
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The Paparoa Range is a mountain range in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. It was the first New Zealand land seen by a European – Abel Tasman in 1642. Part of the range has the country's highest protection as a national park; the Paparoa National Park was established in 1987. Within that park, the Cave Creek disaster occurred in 1995.