Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Helicopter Charter Karamea
( 03-782 6111;
www.karameahelicharter.co.nz
; 79 Waverley St)
can fly up to
three people through to the northern trailhead in Golden Bay for $750; ask about other
possible drop-off/pick-up points and bike transfers.
For detailed information on negotiating the Heaphy Track,
Click here
, or check out
Sleeping & Eating
Cafes and restaurants are thin on the ground around these parts, so stock up at Karamea's
Four Square and keep an eye out for 'open' signs.
Karamea Domain Camp
( 03-782 6069;
www.karamea.org.nz
; Waverley St; sites 1/2 people unpowered $12/16, powered $13/18)
In the
middle of the (ahem) action, this very simple town camp lines up pitches along the edge
of the sportsfield, with the cute old Plunket Rooms refashioned into communal facilities -
simple kitchen and lounge, and adequate bathrooms and bunkrooms (per person $13).
CAMPSITE
$
Karamea Holiday Park
( 03-782 6758;
www.karamea.com
; Maori Point Rd; sites d powered/unpowered $32/28, cabins $30-50, d $86-89;
)
A simple, old-fashioned camp alongside the estuary in bush surrounds, 3km south
of Karamea village. The classic weatherboard cabins are clean and well maintained.
HOLIDAY PARK
$
Rongo Backpackers
HOSTEL
$
( 03-782 6667;
www.rongobackpackers.com
; 130 Waverley St; sites from $20, dm $30-32, d $75; )
Part neo-hippie artists' haven and part organic vegie garden, this rainbow-coloured hostel
even has its own community radio station (107.5 FM,
www.karamearadio.com
). Popular
with long-term guests who often end up working within - either tending the garden or as
de facto DJs. Every fourth night is free.
CABINS
$
Karamea Farm Baches
( 03-782 6838;
www.karameafarmbaches.com
;
17 Wharf Rd; d/tr/q $95/120/145; )
Pushing reuse/
recycle to the limit, these seven 1960s self-contained bachs are the real McCoy, right
down to cobwebby corners and frayed bedspreads. If you dig organic gardening, friendly
dogs and colourful hosts, this will win you over.
