Greymouth - Karamea - Greymouth

Day 3: Karamea to Reefton

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Karamea - Westport 1.25 hrs  96/60 Westport - Reefton 1 hr  77/48   Totals for Day 2.25 hrs  173/108

Karamea - Westport - Reefton

Karamea is at the southern end of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. This relaxing coastal town is adjacent to the Kahurangi National Park. From here you can follow trails along rivers, through native forest and natural limestone arches. A guided walk will let you discover a protected cave network. You can also kayak, mountain bike, fish, watch birds or simply relax on a deserted beach.

From Karamea the road heads south along the coast before turning inland at Little Whanganui and rejoining the coast at the Mokihinui River. From here to Westport you’ll pass through several small townships with lovely beaches, cafes and galleries. Stretch your legs at the Charming Creek Walkway, a very scenic hike along a disused railway line complete with tunnel. Historic Denniston is home to the ‘incline’, site of a steep braked railway built in 1879 to transport coal down from the plateau above.

Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.

Scenic Highlights

Charming Creek walkway, Seddonville
Hike along a disused railway line through tunnels, over bridges and along deep gorges. Enjoy native forest, waterfalls and sweeping views.

Oparara basin
Kayak and hike through fascinating limestone formations and ancient native forests in the southwest corner of the Kahurangi National Park.

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of the South Island.

Activities

West Coast
Horse Treks (4), Jet Boating (2), Walking/Trekking (3)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Walking/Trekking (4)

Karamea - Westport - Reefton

Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it’s also a base for outdoor adventures. Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement.

South of Westport, State Highway 6 heads inland along the Lower Buller Gorge. This scenic route follows the path cut by the Buller River through ancient rock. There’s a café along the way as well as jet boating, horse trekking, quad biking and white water rafting adventures.At the Inangahua junction continue heading straight ahead onto SH 69, which follows a broad river valley between forest-covered ranges.

Large gold-bearing quartz reefs, discovered in the 1860s, gave Reefton its name. The town has retained much of its historic charm and the heritage walk will ensure you discover the highlights. In 1888, Reefton declared its can-do pioneering spirit by becoming the first town in the southern hemisphere with electric street lighting. Some of New Zealand’s finest native beech forest can be enjoyed in the 209,000 hectare Victoria Conservation Park, which covers the mountains surrounding Reefton.

Scenic Highlights

Big River Track, Reefton
Hike, bike or four-wheel drive your way through native beech forests to the historic Big River gold mine.

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Enjoy a close encounter with New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat on the wild west coast of the South Island.

Activities

West Coast
Caving (2), Rafting (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Caving (1)