Karamea

Karamea is an hour and a half drive from the nearest town over a twisting mountain road. On the north west coast of South Island.
It is famed for its whitebait fishing and between August and November attracts people from all over. Otherwise it is a quiet and off the beaten track. The community is similar to Takaka with its mix of residents of all nationalities and characters. The weather rarely gets below 10c and gets up to 25c so they can grow almost anything here. Even some of the strange fruits we saw on Samoa. They can even grow bananas. Although not very big. The locals tell the visitors that it rains most of the year. But it doesn’t!!!🤣
We had heard that Colin and Leslie the wardens of the campground love Christmas and that it is a good place to be over the holidays. The site is on the Domain (sports ground) with a swimming pool bowling club and tennis courts next door. The old rugby club serves as lounge kitchen, showers and a bunk room.
Visited the Oparara basin 16k north of Karamea.. Very dense natural forest, the road was a challenge both in and out but the Hiace dealt with it brilliantly. The Moria Gate arch was the smallest but most impressive. The Oparara arch was over 200m long..
Sandfly central!!!
Also cycled and walked to a tall Rimu tree.Read more