Short Walks in Karamea

It's possible to get out into the bush without tramping for hours - there are quite a few options for shorter walks in the area.

Areas with Several Walks

• Heaphy Track
  There are several short walks from Kohaihai, at the start of the Heaphy track suitable for all levels of fitness. More info
  
  
  
• Oparara Basin
  There are quite a few more walks suitable for all levels of fitness to spectacular arches, a mirror like tarn and several caves. More info
  

Single Walks

• South Terrace
  The South Terrace is a raised area of land to the south of Karamea. The initial township in Karamea was built up here, but it was soon abandoned for the fertile plains. It's possible to visit the old cemetary and there and walk to a couple of spectacular viewpoints of the Karamea vallery and surrounding mountains. Access is either on an easy track from the end of the South Terrace Road (on the right on the way out of town, after the campground) or by a steep track (the Zig Zag track) from partway down the Arapito Road (the south bank of the river).
  
  Via Zig Zag Track: 1hr 30 return
  
  Via South Terrace Road: 45 mins return
  
• Big Rimu Tree
  The big rimu tree is a huge remnant from the days when this part of the bush was selectively cut - supposedly this tree was too big to log. It is several metres in width and tens of metres in height. The shaded clearing at it's foot, with a canopy of tree ferns is a very meditative place. There is a carpark about 5km down the Umere Road (north bank of the river) for the track.
  
  Total Time: 1 hour return
  
• Karamea Estuary Loop
  This track, which allows excellent opportunities for birdwatching can be easily reached on foot from the backpackers. Turn left at the hotel onto Wharf Road, then right onto Ray Street and continue after the road turns into a farm track. At the end of this road is a carpark. On the right is a short track (10 minutes return) which passes by the old wharf and some remnants of tram carts from before an earthquake silted up the harbour in 1935. To the left is a gravel track which follows the estuary round to the banks of the river. It is possible to follow the beach instead, however it can be muddy and rocky in this part. Return along the gravel road that follows the riverbank to Wharf Road.
  
  Total Time: 30mins - 1 hour
• Flagstaff Beach
  The wild ocean beach is reached by turning right at the hotel and continuing along the road about 1km. After the bridge, go straight on on the gravel road for about 1.5km to reach a carpark in the sand dunes behind the beach. It is possible to walk a fair distance in either direction along the beach. To the South is the Karamea river mouth, and also the huge piece of driftwood seen on our front page.