Karamea... WEST COAST

... we are now in Karamea ... having travelled through Westport to pick up the JF package which was forwarded on from Karamu St.

... Karamea sits at the end of a no-exit highway sandwiched between rainforested hills and the Tasman Sea. The town serves hikers and adventurers who are looking for a taste of New Zealand wilderness. Limestone arch formations are a special feature of the area. You can walk to the Oparara Arch, which spans the Oparara River, or venture further to find the Moria Gate Arch. To see the Honeycomb Hill Caves and Arch, you’ll need to book a guided tour. Karamea is near the southern entrance to the Heaphy Track, a multi-day walk through the Kahurangi National Park. Day walks include the Fenian Track, Mt Stormy and the first leg of the Wangapeka Track. Functional facts: Approx. population 680, information centre, limited accommodation and shopping.

The Heaphy Track is one of NZ's Great Walks. The track is 82 kilometres long crossing a range of landscapes just a small part of the Kahurangi National Park covering tussock covered downs, river flats, lush forest, and the scenic West Coast, rugged in beauty and diverse in nature. The nikau groves that tower the last part of the Heaphy Track to Karamea make it especially beautiful. The track is not difficult, and suitable for families and those with little experience. It is recommended that you carry clothing and equipment for all conditions as weather conditions can be changeable at all times of the year. The Heaphy Track can be walked either way, but often the preferable route is to walk from the Collingwood end to Karamea. This is mainly due to the fact that you climb onto the table-lands and then drop down to the West Coast.
The distances between the huts vary from 8km to 16 km. Most huts accommodate 20-26 trampers, with full gas cooking facilities. It is advisable to carry your own cooking utensils, as well as cutlery. Trampers should be aware of the need to respect others, and share space and facilities.Sand-flies: Yes, there are sandflies on the Heaphy Track, especially once you hit the Coast. Carry a good insect repellent. Also be aware that mosquitoes may be a problem.

The Oparara Basin
Kahurangi National Park - the ultimate destination...
Rich unspoiled rainforest stretching across a broad valley floor, three magnificent arches sculpted by the Oparara River, bush-fringed streams stained the colour of billy tea from the humic acids washing down through the soil, and an underground treasure hidden away in a highly complex cave system, combine to make this area one of immense national and international significance.The Oparara River is the habitat of the whio or blueduck, which frequents the swift-flowwing waters. The Department of Conservation has some 450 stoat traps in the Oparara as part of its blue duck protection scheme.
Taking just 45 minutes drive from Karamea to get there!