Heaphy Track

A must do in Karamea is to visit the start of the Heaphy Track at Kohaihai and walk among spectacular groves of Nikau Palms. There are a number of walks radiating from the DOC campsite at the end of the road.

Short Walks

• Scotts Beach
  This follows the route of the Heaphy Track over Kohaihai Bluff and then descends to secluded Scott's Beach, a strip of golden sand fringed by lush nikau palm forest and towering rata trees, about as close to paradise as it is possible to get to NZ. Return by the same route. For a longer hike, popular options are to continue on to Katipo Creek Shelter (about 4 hours return) or to the Heaphy Hut (about 8 hours return).
  
  Total Time: 1.5 hr return
  
  
• Nikau Loop
  A short, flat walk through groves of Nikau Palms and podocarp forest along the shore of the Kohaihai river.
  
  Total Time: 20-40 minutes
  
  
• Zig-Zag Track
  A steep track climbing up the bluff above the campground past a series of strategically placed benches, each offering a spectacular view of the river mouth. Would make a great place to watch the sun go down into the Tasman Sea.
  
  Total Time: 15-20 minutes each way
  

Longer Walks

• Katipo Creek
  Katipo Creek shelter is about half way to the Heaphy Hut and makes a good destination for a day walk. Past Scott's Beach the track passes through endless groves of Nikau Palms and accross golden, sandy beaches, crossing several verdant creeks as they drop out of the mountains, one via a narrow swingbridge. At Katipo Creek it is worth continuing along the track another 500m or so to see the wooden suspension bridge over the creek itself.
  Beware of high tides around Crayfish Point - there is a high tide track.
  
  Total Time: 3-5 hours return
  
  
• Heaphy Hut
  The Heaphy Hut is comfortably equipped and spectacularly situated at the mouth of the scenic and unspoilt Heaphy river, sheltered by lush nikau palms and makes an excellent place to stay the night. It would be a good choice for a first overnight hike.
  
  Total Time: Overnight Trip, 6 hours each way
  
  
• Heaphy Track
  The Heaphy Track is one of the South Island's Great Walks, and is a popular tramp year round thanks to the region's mild climate. For more information about the track please visit www.heaphytrack.com

More Info and Transport

• Transport can be arranged between the Backpackers and Kohaihai for $10 per person