Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond this point are the superb
Honeycomb Hill Caves & Arch
, accessible only
by guided tours (3-/5-hour tours $95/150) run by the Karamea Information & Re-
source Centre. Ask about other guided tours of the area, and also about transport
for the
Oparara Valley Track
, a rewarding five-hour independent walk through an-
cient forest, along the river, popping out at the
Fenian Walk
car park.
To drive to the valley from Karamea, travel 10km along the main road north and
turn off at McCallum's Mill Rd where signposts will direct you a further 14km up
and over into the valley along a road that is winding, gravel, rough in places and
sometimes steep.
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
CAMPSITE $
( 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 com-
munal facilities - simple kitchen and lounge, and adequate bathrooms and bunkrooms
(per person $13).
Karamea Holiday Park
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 sur-
rounds, 3km south of Karamea village. The classic weatherboard cabins are clean and
well maintained.
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.
Karamea Farm Baches
CABINS $
