What can you do in Karamea?

You are never short of things to do in Karamea. With it's wonderful mild climate, fantastic natural surroundings, and that relaxed 'off the beaten track' attitude we know you will love it here. Whether you're into outdoor activities like hiking, walking beautiful tracks, mountain biking, rafting or kayaking, fishing, taking photographs of spectacular natural scenery, or just want to escape the usual holiday crowds and immerse yourself in pristine native bush, take leisurely beach walks and watch spectacular West Coast sunsets.  

The following information is really just a summary and we've put it here to show you just how much variety is available in Karamea. More detailed information is available from our receptionist, the Karamea Information and Resource Center or the DOC Office once you arrive in Karamea.

Heaphy Track Walks

There are a number of well graded walks around the beginning of the Heaphy Track. The track itself is just 15km's North of Karamea and the Last Resort.

• Nikau Loop Walk (40 min).
  This short walk is suitable for all ages and those physically impaired. A solid bridge crosses over the Kohaihai River with ramp access to the Nikau Groves.
• Scotts Beach (1.5 hours return)
  Beyond the Nikau Grove Track, continue up and over the hill to see some magnificent views. Ferns and Rata spread out before you, opening onto a beautiful stretch of pure New Zealand coastal scenery.
• Katipo Shelter (6 hours return)
  Continue beyond Scotts Beach. Walk up the coast along a Nikau grove studded coastal strip that defines the West Coast landscape.

Mountain biking in Karamea

With glorious local rides, 2 sections of the Old Ghost Road open and the Heaphy Track on its doorstep Karamea is fast becoming a mecca for keen mountain bikers.

The Old Ghost Road

The full track is planned for completion in 2015, but right now 2 sections are open to the experienced mountain biker. When completed it will be an 85km single track adventure that goes through the most amazing New Zealand terrain. This long-forgotten gold miners' road is being revived as a mountain biking trail for the solid rider. It will eventually connect the old dray road in the Lyell (Upper Buller Gorge) to the mighty Mokihinui River in the North and be a journey through NZ's fascinating history passing through 5 sites that were founded by pioneers and are now 'ghost towns'.

The two sections that are open now are:

Lyell to beyond Ghost Lake Hut: 33 km of trail (66 km return).

Mountain bikers should note that there is a narrow section of trail 800m long along the alpine section beneath Rocky Tor where cyclists will need to dismount and push or carry their cycles and that the section of trail beyond Ghost Lake involves a prolonged steep descent (and therefore steep ascent back to the hut).

Seddonville trail head (Welcome Bay) to Goat Creek: approximately 28 km of trail (56 km return).

Visit Old Ghost Road site

The Heaphy Track

The Heaphy Track is the only multi-day ride through a National Park in New Zealand. The Heaphy Track is known as one of New Zealand’s 'Great Walks' (and thanks to the Department of Conservation) is now a Great Ride. Mountain Bikers are allowed on the Heaphy Track between May 1 and September 30.

This iconic ride is through some of the best scenery in New Zealand. The huts are of a higher standard than other tracks. Most have gas cooking facilities, fresh water, bunk beds with mattresses, wood burners, toilets etc.

The Track is 80-kilometres through the Kahurangi National Park. It traverses dense beech forests, expansive tussock plains and boulder outcrops of the Gouland Downs, takes in the limestone cliffs along the Heaphy River and through the nikau palm groves and white sandy beaches along the West Coast to Karamea.

This is a ride that every self respecting Mountain Biker should do.

Mountain Biking the Heaphy

Mountain Bikes are available for hire from Karamea Outdoor Adventures at Market Cross (just a short walk from the Last Resort). Call Sylvia Raikes on 03 782 6181, or at the Shop on 03 782 6161 for more information on what's available on 2 wheels.

Fishing in Karamea

The Karamea River is a genuine fisherman's paradise. Its reputation for world class trout fishing is ever increasing and you will find  many local businesses make a living by helping guests discover the best kept, secret, local fishing spots.

When in season, the West Coast delicacy of whitebait also runs on the Karamea River, and even if you don't brave the elements and try and catch some for yourself, a Last Resort Whitebait fritter is a must. Keen fishermen will also find Kahawai quite prolific at the river mouth. While surf-casters can try their luck anywhere between the Flagstaff and North Beach, or from Fisherman's Rock at the Southern end of Scotts Beach.

If you're keen to give fishing a go, but not sure where the big catches are, just ask at reception for some local advice and tips.

Swimming in Karamea

There is plenty of great river swimming in good holes in the Wanganui, Karamea, Oparara and Kohaihai Rivers.

There is safe swimming in the lagoons at high tide. Access to tidal lagoons can be found 1km North of Karamea via the airfield turnoff (at the Flagstaff) and 3km South of Karamea. 

For families with younger children there is an excellent pool adjacent to the school (open during the summer months only).

WARNING: Swimming in the open sea on the West Coast can be dangerous, this activity is best reserved for experienced surfers only.