Want to know a secret? Shush it's Karamea

Want to know a secret?

There is a place at the very end of the road, literally, that transports you to another world. A world where all the cares and concerns of the modern day are seemingly swept away. It’s secluded, beautiful and peaceful, and once you visit you will never want to leave. The place is called Karamea and it’s the very last town at the top of the West Coast of the South Island. The road stops here. Bordered by the Kahurangi National Park and the Tasman Sea this place if both rugged, secluded and spectacular. If you love nature you are in your element. Views are everywhere, the beaches are insanely white and the bush smoothers every untouched spot. Stay a night or two and I promise you, you will fall in love.

Warning - take plenty of insect repellent though as these perfect empty beaches are deserted for a reason, tiny black sand flies love to dominate these lands they call their own. Visitors are breakfast, lunch and dinner, ideally all three!

The town of Karamea is a lovely spot to hang out. The Last Resort is the local accommodation centre with a motel, cottages and back packers it caters for every budget. There is a central complex with a restaurant, cafe and bar that seem to be open in some format all the time. The Iced Coffee is as good as the morning muffins which are almost as tasty as the quiches. It’s a top spot to base yourself at and explore the local area.

Looking out from the motel room at The Last Resort

A short drive outside of Karamea you discover some of the best sports on the West Coast which are ironically some of the least visited. A twisty, unsealed road, not suitable for campervans or indeed any un-sturdy vehicle takes you down through dense bush to the Oparara Basin. A hidden valley in Kahurangi National Park that is home to limestone caves and arches. It is quite beautiful. I was lucky to meander down the walkway through the bush to have the whole place to myself.

The arch is 200 metres long and spans the Oparara River. It was a gentle stream when I was there but I can imagine after a few days of West Coast rain it can become quite the torrid river tearing through and leaving its scar on this stunning landscape.

My favourite spot was another short walk away - the Moria Gate Arch. Clambering down a small rock face takes you through to the opening and it is truly gorgeous.

Looking out of Moria Gate Arch the other way

Like something from a movie set (which ironically it is!). The loop walk through the bush continues past Moria Gate Arch and takes about 90 minutes to complete.

I recommend carrying on rather than retracing your steps back to the carpark. The bush is quite something in these parts and worth taking time to stroll through and just breath in that air.

Another top spot just north of Karamea is another of my absolute favourites, I will write about it in my next article……