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
| Rocks in the Kahurangi National Park date back 550 million years. |
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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 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
In the park
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.
Around the park
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
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| Trampers are lured into the deep green seclusion of the Heaphy Track. |
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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 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.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Other Sites
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KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
While there's good swimming in rivers along the Heaphy Track, walkers should not attempt to swim in the sea on the track's coastal section. Many lives have been lost in these dangerous waters.
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.
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