Nelson - Greymouth - Christchurch

Day 4: Karamea to Greymouth

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Karamea - Westport 1.25 hrs  96/60 Westport - Punakaiki 0.75 hr  57/36 Punakaiki - Greymouth 0.5 hr  45/28   Totals for Day 2.5 hrs  198/124

Karamea - Westport - Punakaiki - Greymouth

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 - Punakaiki - Greymouth

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.

The road to Punakaiki hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. At Charleston, formerly a prosperous gold town, you can arrange underground rafting and cave exploring trips.

Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years and were created by layers of limestone being overlaid by rock and clay. When the tide is right, the blow holes are spectacular.

Scenic Highlights

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.

Paparoa National Park
Discover lush native forests, amazing pancake rocks, delicate cave formations, underground streams, limestone canyons and towering ocean cliffs - all in one beautiful national park.

Activities

West Coast
Horse Treks (4), Jet Boating (2), Rafting (4)

Karamea - Westport - Punakaiki - Greymouth

Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years. When the tide is right, Punakaiki’s blow holes are spectacular.

The road to Greymouth is breathtaking. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side. The town of Runanga is a classic mining village – it offers an interesting walk to nearby Coal Creek Falls. To see interesting old gold mining areas, look for the Point Elizabeth walkway.

Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It’s the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

Scenic Highlights

Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes
Gaze in wonder at nature's artistry as columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes.

Paparoa National Park
Discover lush native forests, amazing pancake rocks, delicate cave formations, underground streams, limestone canyons and towering ocean cliffs - all in one beautiful national park.

Activities

West Coast
Heritage Attractions (3), Kayaking – Salt Water (2), Rafting (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

West Coast
Heritage Attractions (1)