The West Coast - New Zealand - page 813

www.gentleannie.co.nz ; De Malmanche Rd, Mokihinui; sites from $12, s/d/tr from $25/50/75, cabins
$130; ) where there are campsites, a lodge, a range of self-contained accommodation
and the Cowshed Gallery & Cafe. There are also bush walks, a maze on a look-out point,
and glow-worms nearby.
Between Mokihinui and Little Wanganui the road meanders over the thickly forested
Karamea Bluff , affording expansive views of the Tasman Sea. It's worth stopping to do
the Lake Hanlon walk (30 minutes return) on the Karamea side of the hill.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Karamea & Around
The relaxed town of Karamea (population 380) considers itself the West Coast's 'best
kept secret', but those who've visited tend to boast about its merits far and wide. An end-
of-the-road town it may well be, but it still has a bit of the 'hub' about it, servicing the
end (or start) of the Heaphy and Wangapeka Tracks, and the magical Oparara Basin.
With a friendly climate, and a take-it-easy mix of locals and chilled-out imports, the
Karamea area is a great place to jump off the well-trodden tourist trail for a few lazy
days.
Sights & Activities
Hats off to the Karamea community who have established the very pleasant Karamea
Estuary Walkway , a long-as-you-like stroll bordering the estuary and Karemea River. It
features plenty of birdlife and is best walked at sunset. Ask a local for directions, follow
your nose, or pick up a leaflet from the Karamea Information & Resource Centre ( Click
here ) . While you're there, pick up the free Karamea brochure, which details other walks,
including Big Rimu (45 minutes return), Flagstaff (one hour return) and the Zig Zag
(one hour return).
Longer walks around Karamea include the Fenian Track (four hours return) leading to
Cavern Creek Caves and Adams Flat , where there's a replica gold-miner's hut; and the
first leg of the Wangapeka Track to Belltown Hut. The Wangapeka Track is a four-to-
six-day backcountry trip suitable for experienced trampers only.
Other local activities include swimming, fishing, whitebaiting, kayaking and mountain
biking. Your best bet for advice on these is to ask a local and use common sense - espe-
cially when it comes to the watery stuff. Flexible and friendly Karamea Outdoor Adven-
tures ( 03-782 6181; www.karameaadventures.co.nz ; Bridge St; guided kayak/riverbug trips
from $60, kayak hire 2hr $30, bike hire 2hr $30) offers guided and freedom kayaking and ri-