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New Zealand
> Nelson - Westland > Karamea
 Situated at
the end of the road, Karamea is a secluded haven
at the northern end of the West Coast of New
Zealand's South Island, flanked by the bush clad
mountains of The Kahurangi National Park to the north
and east, with the Tasman Sea to the west.
Karamea
is the place to go when you really need to getaway. It has a mild
climate and beautiful surroundings with many natural
features to be explored. There is tramping, (hiking),
caving, geology, hunting, fishing, canoeing, or just
relaxing.
Heaphy Track:
walk the 80km through the Kahurangi National Park, this can be
a 4 - 5 day walk from the Kohaihai River (15 minutes drive north of
Karamea township) to
Baynam and Collingwood in Golden
Bay. Day walkers can explore the beginnings of the track of what was
once a pack track for horses carrying goods and now upgraded for
walkers. It is reputed for it's stunning beauty and diversity of
landscape, from the expansive rolling tussock lands of the Gouland
Downs, temperate rainforest with Nikau groves right down to the
sandy beaches.
Of particular interest are the
caves and geographic features in the Oparara Basin. A
45 minute drive to the north of Karamea, this area is
famous for it limestone cave formations, some which
are close to the road and providing you take a torch,
you can go in and explore. Others which are more
spectacular require guides.
For budget accommodation, the Karamea
Motel has comfortable low cost rooms. Turn left at the pub or there
are also several modern motels, camping areas and homestays.
Getting
there: Drive from Westport, Nelson,
Christchurch via Arthurs Pass.
Hokitika has an airport serviced by national
airlines.
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