Karamea

North of Westport, the coastline is squeezed between high mountain ranges and pounding surf. The highlight of the tiny settlements along this stretch is Karamea, known to most people as the southern entry to (or exit from) the renowned Heaphy Track, which crosses Kahurangi National Park from Golden Bay. Karamea is also a fine trout-fishing destination and the western entry point to the wilderness of Kahurangi National Park, with its wild rivers and network of hikes, and is home to the spectacular and easily visited Oparara cave system.