Karamea Track in NZ, Wangapeka to Leslie
| country: | New Zealand |
| location: | South Island, Kahurangi |
| trip type: | Very challenging trekking holidays |
| departures: | Regular departures throughout the summer |
| price: | NZ $1150 (6 days) excluding flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a classic wilderness trek through the Kahurangi National Park - the second largest park in New Zealand. Located in the northwestern corner of the South Island many of the features seen in the Park are unique to New Zealand. Those making the effort are provided with a treasure trove of surprises. The starting point is the Flora track from where the Mount Arthur Tablelands are crossed, then the decent into the pristine Leslie/ Karamea valley with its podocarp beech forest and wilderness rivers. At the headwaters of the Karamea River the Wangapeka track joins the Leslie/ Karamea. We then journey down the Wangapeka River to Rolling River.
This is a long walk of approximately 100kms with several creek crossings that could be unpassable in wet weather. There are well-spaced huts all the way and we will take 6 days so as to allow time to enjoy the surrounding country and in the event that flooded creeks hinder our progress. Highlights include: Historical huts, wonderful swimming spots, alpine and river scenery, earthquake formed Moonstone Lake and forests dripping with moss.
This is a long walk of approximately 100kms with several creek crossings that could be unpassable in wet weather. There are well-spaced huts all the way and we will take 6 days so as to allow time to enjoy the surrounding country and in the event that flooded creeks hinder our progress. Highlights include: Historical huts, wonderful swimming spots, alpine and river scenery, earthquake formed Moonstone Lake and forests dripping with moss.
how this holiday makes a difference
 We are the longest running guiding concession in Kahurangi National Park. Owned and operated by Bill Rooke and Maryann Ewers, it has built a sound reputation as an ecologically based operation, with a concern for the Parks natural values. Maryann is a descendent of two of the early pioneer families of the district. Both her and Bill have had years of experience tramping and exploring in the area and have a vast knowledge of flora, fauna and history to pass on to clients. The groups carry all rubbish out of the park and campsites are left undisturbed. With the assistance of the Department of Conservation we have started a stoat eradication programme in a popular area of the park in an attempt to increase the birds species numbers. DoC are informed of all rare sightings on our trips. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |