National Parks - Kahurangi

A world of marble mountains and peaceful, palm-fringed beaches.

In the Maori language, Kahurangi means 'treasured possession' - a clue to the attractions of this large, wild park. Within its boundaries are some of the oldest rocks, strangest plants and rarest birds in New Zealand.

The Heaphy Track is the park's most famous and accessible treasure. A 'Great Walk' by every definition, the track covers 78 kilometres of subtropical rainforest, tussock high country, river valley and coast. Every year more than 4000 walkers follow the route, which for hundreds of years was used by local tribes on their way to the pounamu (greenstone) resources of the west coast.

Key Highlights

The complex landforms of Kahurangi National Park attract fossil hunters, cavers and anyone with a fascination for geology. On the surface, fluted rock, arches, sinkholes, shafts and disappearing/reappearing streams give the landscape exceptional character. Mount Owen and Mount Arthur are the park's 'marble mountains'. Within the mountains, water has dissolved the marble to create extensive cave systems.

There are 18 species of native New Zealand birds living in the park. While walking, visitors will be serenaded by bellbirds, tui and sociable South Island Robins. Several species of native land snail may also be encountered. These giant snails are carnivorous, feeding at night on worms that grow up to a metre long. If you go caving, keep an eye out for the Kahurangi Cave Spider, one of the world's rarest, which has a leg span of up to 12 centimetres.

Accommodation

The Department of Conservation looks after many hikers' huts in the park. The Heaphy Track is served by four 'Great Walk' huts; hikers following the Wangapeka Track will find seven huts along the way. Camping is allowed, but is restricted to designated sites along the tracks.

Motueka, Takaka, Karamea and Murchison are the park's gateway towns, providing a range of mostly budget accommodation. Roads from these towns lead to the park's carparks, where the walking tracks begin.

Key Activities

Long and short walks

The beautiful Heaphy Track is a 3 to 5-day walking experience that leads through forest, across tussock-covered downs and along beaches fringed with nikau palms. The Wangapeka Track traverses the park from east to west, also taking between 3 and 5 days. There are many shorter walks in the park, which begin at access roads leading from Karamea, Takaka, Murchison and Motueka.

Caving

The Kahurangi national park's famous cave systems attract spelunkers from all over the world.

Some of the finest caving in New Zealand can be found inside Mount Owen, which still has many unexplored passages. Caving expeditions usually involve the use of helicopters to transport equipment, supplies and cavers to the entry point.

River fun

Remote, wild rivers are a feature of the park. Many are suitable for experienced kayakers only, but commercial rafting tours are available. The Karamea River is known for good trout fishing.

Key Tips

• Kahurangi National Park includes the Tasman Wilderness Area. Untracked and without huts, it is suitable for experienced trampers only
• If you plan to stay overnight on the track system, make sure you are properly equipped
• Check with the Department of Conservation for the latest weather and track conditions before you set out
• As well as giant land snails, you may encounter giant weta - don't hurt them, they're precious
• Take a portable cooker if you're camping or staying in a hikers' hut - open fires are not permitted.