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karamea
 Surprises await
those who venture into the vast limestone country at the extreme
north end of the South Island’s West Coast Road.
Karamea is a secluded haven, 100 km north of Westport, which
holds the entry key to this magical wilderness. This remote
corner of our country is the base for the Kahurangi National Park
and the renowned Heaphy Track. Further south at the Little
Wanganui River is the start of the beautiful Wangapeka Track.
The township sits on the estuary of the Karamea River at the
terminal point of the long Heritage Highway through the West
Coast. If anywhere in New Zealand can be said to be ‘off the
beaten track’ then this is it. After a two hour drive from
Westport you seem to have arrived at the end of the world.
However it is the beginning of a natural wonderland of weird
limestone formations, caves, arches, sinkholes and disappearing
rivers.
Kahurangi National Park is so vast that it embraces a high
plateau, fifteen river catchments and a long coastal strip where
the mild climate supports large stands of nikau palms and lush
rainforest. The Oparara Basin, 45 minutes north of Karamea on a
rough road, has the most impressive formations. The Crazy Paving
and Box Canyon Caves are accessible from the car park. The Mirror
Tarn, Oparara Arch and the Little Arch can all be reached within
a 40 minute walk. The Honeycomb Caves are world famous for their
moa bone collection, and can be seen on a guided tour. Other
local day walks include the first part of the Heaphy Track, Mt.
Stormy, and the Fenian Track, which leads to the site of an old
goldmining settlement.
The Karamea visitor centre at Market Cross can advise you on
recreational activities, including surf casting on the impressive
beaches and headlands, river fishing, rafting, kayaking and
guided exploration trips. Karamea also has an interesting museum,
licensed restaurant and accommodation.
This hidden corner of New Zealand is waiting to be discovered. A
place where you can be an amateur speleological explorer or a
laid back beachcomber - the choice is yours.
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