Karamea is a one of the most undisturbed wilderness areas in New Zealand, secluded by the scenic and winding road over the Karamea Bluff. This ecological and adventure paradise will take you back to a time where rainforest exploding with bird life grew right to the oceans edge and ancient limestone features loomed ominously with no trace of human interference. Here you can experience a white sand beach with thundering waves all to yourself, or a pristine river with raging rapids for skilled adventurers and calm inlets for casual dippers and fishermen. This quaint township will be an exceptional host with scrumptious local produce served at charming restaurants and a range of comfortable accommodation for the luxury client to the Backpacker. Expect the locals to wave to you as you stroll about town and if you head to the local watering hole you might even get a history lesson for free.
Outstanding Attractions
The Oparara Basin is an area of untouched rainforest with supernatural charm, situated in the corner of the Kahurangi National Park. In this unique valley you will find spectacular cave arches which have been carved by the persistent coca-cola brown torrent of the Oparara River. The system of caves that runs through the basin is astoundingly intricate and has gained national and international significance. Within the depths of these caves reside New Zealand''s largest harmless spider, the Gradungula and a multitude of other interesting insects scuttling about the stalactites and stalagmites. Glow worms produce the illusion of sacred cave cities and reflections from the trickling streams produce unusual light patterns upon the cave walls. Vast piles of bones from some of New Zealand''s giant extinct feathered creatures, the Moa and Haast Eagle have also been found here. The contemporary bird life flourishes with Kiwis, Kea, Kaka, Parakeets, the New Zealand Falcon, Blue Ducks, Tuis, Fantails, Bellbirds and Wekas. The magical quality of the Basin has been recognised by international film producers and recently BBCs production of The Lost World was shot there. There are many ways you can explore this Basin. The Oparara car park is approximately 20 Kilometres from the town centre along the main road north towards the Heaphy Track. From the car park you can head off in multiple directions on short walks of between 20 minutes to 1 hour return. These walks allow you to access the Oparara Arch, Moria Gate Arch, Mirror Tarn and Crazy Paving/Box Canyon Caves. There are also mountain bike tracks through sections of the basin. To access the Specially Protected Areas of the Honeycomb Hill Caves and Honeycomb Hill Arch you will need a Guided Tour. These Tours are run by the Oparara Valley Trust, pre-booking is essential and you can contact them through the Karamea Information and Resource Centre on 03 7826 652.
There are also several coastal estuaries throughout Karamea which will provide an exciting playground for all ages when the tide is low with thriving bird and fish life. You can take a Kayak out to frolic in the shallow streams or bring a fishing net to catch some eels.
Tramping and Day Walks
Adventure travellers come from all over the world to visit Karamea before embarking upon one of New Zealand''s Great Walks, the Heaphy Track, which begins 16 kilometres north of the township at Kohaihai and finishes in Collingwood. Within the 82 kilometre walk you will experience astonishing landscape diversity. You will feel like you are in the tropics as you meander along white sand paths through Nikau Palms and the scenery will continue to transform from stoney river flats to dark green rainforests and windswept tussock covered tablelands. The track takes 4 days and 3 nights for the average Tramper. You must book prior to walking the track either online or through the Information Centre. In the summer season fees are: Adult Hut $20.00, Adult Camp $10.00, Youth Hut $10.00, Youth Camp $5.00.
There are numerous other renowned tramping tracks or Day Walks which stem from Karamea and head over the various mountain ranges including the Wangapeka Track, Leslie-Karamea, Mount Stormy and Fenian.
The Fenian is part of the lower Oparara River Valley in the Kahurangi National Park, this area is rich with the history of West Coast goldmining. The beech/podocarp forest and limestone features offer a different ambience to other areas of the National Park. The entrance to this area is 7km north of the Karamea Township and from here several glorious day walking options can be explored. Moloney''s Bluff is a two hour return track which follows the Oparara river winding up through the bush until you reach the lookout at Moloney''s Bluff. Cavern Creek Caves, a 3 hr return track, leads you to three limestone caves. Adams Flat is a four hour return track which takes you to the historic goldmining area full of relics from the mining. The Fenian is currently undergoing an extension which will link the Oparara Basin to the Fenian and create a valuable new day walk.
Mount Stormy Track is a popular 6-8 hours Day Walk for the locals seeking fitness. The step ascent leads you to a summit that permits a spectacular 360 degree view of Karamea. It is important to check the weather before you go afternoon cloud is common.
The Wangapeka Track takes you from the West Coast to the East, Karamea to Tapawera. It is a back country grade track following rivers and climbing through mountainous beech forests. The Leslie-Karamea Track begins along the Wangapeka Track at Helicopter Flat Hut or alternatively you can start at Flora Car Park. This track follows the Karamea River Valley and Leslie Rivers. It is common to find trout fishers from all over the world in this otherwise isolated wilderness. Hut fees for both of these tramps are $5.00 per night and can be purchased from the Karamea Information & Resource Centre.
Adventure Tour Mania
There are several adventure tour operators allowing you to experience the isolated realms of the Kahurangi National Park or to take you on outstanding rafting, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights, helirafting, mountain biking, horsetrekking, back country trout fishing and caving trips. For a detailed list of these operators contact the Karamea Information and Resource Centre.
Activities for a rainy day
The Karamea Centennial Museum is a quiet abode for a raining day. To arrange a visit contact the Karamea Information and Resource Centre, Admission: Adult $3.00, Children 14 and under $1.00, Family $7.00.
Unique and nationally recognised artistic talent originates in Karamea and several galleries are a must visit including Rongo Art Gallery featuring scenic photography of the area, Dan Dee Designs Ltd specialising in wood craft and Jester''s Nest Artworks by sculptor Helen Black.
Accommodation-Our Picks
There is a range of accommodation all reasonably priced. For luxurious beachside accommodation, the Karamea Lodge is the place to stay, contact info@cadabra.com. For budget accommodation, Rongo Backpackers and Gallery is the pick of the bunch with colourful art filled walls, good music and great hosts, contact info@cadabra.com. If you are looking to experience a piece of West Coast history, stay at the Karamea Village Hotel. Built in 1876, this hotel has been restored to its former glory and offers a range of accommodation options. Whilst there you can mingle with the locals and try out the award winning Montieth''s Wild Food Festival dishes.