A Remote Wilderness for Serious Walkers and Nature Fans
Located in the northwest of the South Island, Kahurangi National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness full of natural treasures. As New Zealand’s second-largest national park, it covers over 4,500 square kilometres of mountain ranges, alpine herbfields, limestone landscapes and untouched rainforest. It’s a region that feels worlds away from civilisation.
The park is home to the famous Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which takes trampers on a four- to six-day journey through forest, tussock plains, and coastal bush. But there are plenty of shorter tracks too, including routes from Flora Saddle, Karamea, and Golden Bay. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and explore on foot.
Caves, Creatures and Alpine Discoveries
Kahurangi’s geology is one of its most fascinating features, with extensive karst landscapes and limestone cave systems. The Ōpārara Basin, near Karamea, is home to natural rock arches and honeycomb caves, making it one of the most photographed (yet uncrowded) parts of the park. These formations are surrounded by rich beech and podocarp forest, adding a mystical touch.
This is also a refuge for rare species. The park supports populations of great spotted kiwi, giant land snails (Powelliphanta), and alpine plants not found anywhere else. Many visitors come not just to see landscapes, but to learn about the biodiversity that thrives in this rugged environment. It’s a haven for trampers, naturalists, and those who seek true wilderness.
Top Things to Do in Kahurangi National Park
Kahurangi is remote, wild and rewarding. Here are some of the top things to do in the park:
- Walk the Heaphy Track – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks
- Visit the Ōpārara Arches and Honeycomb Hill Caves near Karamea
- Hike from Flora Saddle to Mount Arthur for panoramic views
- Discover limestone landscapes and alpine basins in the Cobb Valley
- Spot rare wildlife like great spotted kiwi and Powelliphanta snails
- Explore short tracks in the Baton Valley or around Golden Bay
- Stay overnight in a backcountry hut for a real wilderness experience
- Photograph alpine wildflowers in season (especially summer)
- Try caving (with a guide) in less-developed karst areas
- Learn about local geology and ecology from interpretation panels
Kahurangi National Park is a haven for nature lovers. The park's diverse topography, which ranges from the rocky coastline to the snow-capped mountains, is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The park boasts over 570 species of native plants, 80 of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The park's dense forests are home to a range of native birds, including the endangered kakapo, kaka, and South Island robin. Keen-eyed visitors might also spot New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, which is primarily nocturnal. The park is also home to a wide variety of insects, including butterflies and moths, many of which are unique to the region.
Kahurangi National Park's alpine regions are a sight to behold, especially during the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Visitors can see alpine buttercups, mountain daisies, and hebes, among other alpine plants. The park's alpine regions are also home to the kea, a mischievous mountain parrot known for its intelligence and playfulness.
With its vast array of native flora and fauna, Kahurangi National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true wilderness experience.
- Research the park before your visit
- Dress appropriately
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Check for any park alerts or closures
- Respect the environment
- Follow the marked trails
- Be prepared for remote areas
- Bring a map and compass
- Be aware of the park's cultural significance
- Leave no trace
Located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, Kahurangi National Park can easily be accessed from both Nelson and Golden Bay; as well as from Westport on the West Coast. The main access points are:
Brown Hut near Bainham: The start of the Heaphy track. Reached from Golden Bay, Collingwood and Takaka are the nearest small town. Shuttles are available from Nelson that also pick up from Motueka, Mapua and Marahau.
Karamea: The end of the Heaphy track, which is about a 90 minute drive north from Westport. Oparara Arches are another 40 minute drive.
Murchison: Half way between Nelson and Westport. From here you can raft the Matiri and Buller River, as well as accessing hiking tracks into Kahurangi National Park.
Tapawera: 45 minute drive from Nelson with nearby access to walking tracks in Kahurangi National Park.
