Karamea has something to suit everyone - the tramper and caver, birdwatcher and botanist, hunter and fisherman... or simply a family holiday 'away from it all.'
Tramping & WALKING
Explore the awe-inspiring limestone arches of the Oparara Basin on easy day walks, or plan a longer tramp on one of three main walking tracks: the Heaphy, Wangapeka and Karamea–Leslie. The Heaphy Track is a Great Walk and is suitable for walkers of all ages. The Wangapeka Track is a backcountry route, best suited to the well-equipped and experienced tramper. Both tracks take about 4 days. Back country experience and a good level of fitness is also needed for the Karamea–Leslie Track. Hut passes are required on all overnight tracks. For further information stop by the Karamea Information and Resource Centre.
Fishing
The Karamea River is a fisherman’s paradise: trout fishing and whitebaiting (in season) and kahawai at the rivermouth. Surfcasters can try their luck between the Flagstaff and the Kohaihai, or from Fisherman’s Rock at the southern end of Scott’s Beach. The Little Wanganui River mouth is a popular whitebaiting and surfcasting destination, or try your luck with trout, further upstream. Heli-fishing by arrangement.
Swimming
River swimmimg in the Wanganui, Karamea, Oparara and Kohaihai Rivers. The swimming pool adjacent to the school is open over the summer. Check at the Info Centre for opening hours.
WARNING: Do not swim in the open sea.
