The West Coast - New Zealand - page 816

( 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.
Karamea River Motels MOTEL $$$
( 03-782 6955; www.karameamotels.co.nz ; 31 Bridge St; r $125-169; ) The smart rooms at
this modern, rural motel range from studios to two-bedroom units. Features include long-
range views, barbecues and lush gardens complete with lily pond.
Last Resort LODGE $$$
( 03-782 6617, 0800 505 042; www.lastresort.co.nz ; 71 Waverley St; s $50, d $97-155, q $195;
) This iconic, rambling and rustic resort has had its ups and downs, but is currently
riding a wave of friendly local hosts, accommodation upgrades and a general tidy up.
Scope the joint with espresso or a beer in the cafe or bar (meals $9 to $25) or take the
plunge into a range of rooms, from simple doubles to family suites hallmarked by extens-
ive use of local timbers.
Karamea Village Hotel PUB $$$
( www.karameahotel.co.nz ; cnr Waverley & Wharf Sts; meals $9-29; 11am-11pm) Here lie simple
pleasures and proper hospitality: a game of pool, a pint of ale, and a hot roast dinner fol-
lowed by an old-fashioned pudding.
Information
Karamea Information & Resource Centre ( 03-782 6652; www.karameainfo.co.nz ; Market
Cross; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat & Sun, shorter hours off-peak) This excellent,
community-owned centre has the local low-down, internet access, maps and DOC hut
tickets. It also doubles as the petrol station.
Getting There & Away
Karamea Express ( 03-782 6757; [e-mail]) links Karamea and West-
port ($35, two hours, 7.40am Monday to Friday May to September, plus Saturdays from
October to April). It also services Kohaihai twice daily during peak summer, and other
times on demand. Wangapeka transport is also available.
Heaphy Bus ( 03-540 2042, 0800 128 735; www.theheaphybus.co.nz ) , based in Nelson,
also runs between both ends of the Heaphy, as well as the Wangapeka.