Karamea – Kahurangi National Park

by Shona · Published February 1, 2025 · Updated March 8, 2025

Kōhaihai Campsite is located at the end of the road. As far North as you can drive along the West Coast. This is also either the beginning or the end of the Heaphy Track, a 4 – 6 day tramp or 2 – 3 day Mountain Bike ride. My days of multi-day hikes with a heavy backpack are over. This is one track that I wished I had walked a few years ago.

There are a number of shorter options in the area. One is to Scott’s Beach, about an hour each way. The beach is approximately 1km long. NOTE: Swimming is strongly discouraged, given the powerful waves and tidal currents that exist.

At the top of the Kōhaihai Bluff, there is a short side track to a lookout with a view of Scott’s Beach.

Ōpārara Basin

The Ōpārara Basin Arches are a number of natural limestone tunnels formed by the Ōpārara River, in the Ōpārara Basin. The two most famous ones are the ‘Ōpārara Arch’, large enough for a multi-storey house, and the smaller ‘Moria Gate Arch’.

The arches can be reached by a forestry road – McCallums Mill Road. The turn off is approximately 10 km north of Karamea. The 13 km McCallums Mill Road is a narrow and steep gravel road. It can be accessed by normal cars most of the year.

NOTE: Road is not suitable for large vehicles or campervans.

Ōpārara Arch’ is a magnificent limestone arch, is reputed to be the largest one in Australasia.

‘Moria Gate Arch’ – named in 1984 after the gate in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is worthwhile going underneath the arch via a short side track to view the naturally sculptured limestone. Those that don’t like enclosed dark tunnels may not wish to venture under the arch even though it does open up once you get down the rock steps.

If exploring Box Canyon Cave, a torch is a must. This is not for those that aren’t comfortable underground or in dark spaces. The main part of the cavern is huge with a relatively flat footing. There are numerous side caverns for the more adventurous.

The cave is a 5-minute walk from the upper Ōpārara car park.

Winner of the 2024 Tree of the Year New Zealand award.

This extraordinary northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta), located near the Karamea Cemetery, captivated the hearts and imaginations of New Zealanders with its unique appearance and fascinating life story.

With its twin trunks stretched as if in mid-stride – and seemingly wearing high heels – this tree is a striking natural wonder. Its resemblance to one of Tolkien’s sentient, tree-like Ents has earned it the affectionate nickname, The Walking Tree.

I prefer – the Ent.