Tramping (Hiking) in Karamea

Karamea is an excellent place for year round tramping. It's northerly latitude and subtropical climate means that routes such as the Heaphy Track and Wangapecka Track are some of the best options for tramping outside of the summer season. Kahurangi National Park's trout fishing is world class and that applies to the rivers and streams encountered on all of these tracks.

Short Walks

Details on short walks in Karamea - More Info (Short Walks) >>

Day Tramps

• Heaphy Track
  Walk the first few hours of the track, and return.
  More info >>
• Mt Stormy
  A 1084m peak which overlooks Karamea - a challenging but rewarding trip
  More Info >>
  
• Fenian Track/Oparara Valley Track
  A historic goldmining track along the Oparara gorge.
  More Info >>
• Karamea Gorge Track
  Walk up the banks of the Karamea river to where the mountains shut out the sun and the river runs in fast rapids. Reach Old Mans Rock, a rock the size of a house. Poorly marked and overgrown track.

Multi-Day Trips

• Heaphy Track
  One of the Great Walks of New Zealand - probably the most diverse in terms of scenery.
  More Info (Heaphy Track.com)
  More Info (Day Walks on the track and pics) >>
• Wangapeka Track
  This 4-5 day backcountry experience crosses the rugged southern section of Kahurangi National Park through marble mountains and limestone gorges. It crosses two saddles over 1000m, though these are snow free almost all year. There are many side trails (with huts) and opportunities to climb/traverse peaks. The Wangapeka is the gateway to the interior of the park. It starts in Little Wanganui, 20 mins drive from Karamea (transport can be arranged) and finishes near Tapawera, east of Nelson.
• Leslie-Karamea Track
  A 4-5 day wilderness trail which leaves the Wangapeka track deep in the park, descending the upper Karamea valley before ascending a creek and a spur onto the high Tablelands Plateau. From here it is possible to exit to the east and Flora Saddle/Mt. Arthur, or to the north and the Cobb Valley in Golden Bay.
  
• Karamea Gorge Track
  Another way into the interior of the park is via this trail, which leads to Grey's Hut, a small hut about 6-8 hours difficult progress upstream. The Karamea, a huge river, is constrained to narrow widths with resultingly impressive rapids which attract white water rafters from all over the world (though not frequently enough to disturb the peace). The last few kms to this hut there is little or no trail and progress must be made along the riverbank. For some this hut is the gateway to the Tasman Wilderness Area, a large expanse of virgin forest, deep clear rivers and jagged, lake studded mountains with no huts or trails.

More Info about Kahurangi National Park (DOC site)