Oparara Valley Trust Guided Tours

Join us on one of our guided eco-tours amongst the pristine rainforest and limestone caves and formations in the Oparara Basin.

Experienced  local guides will help you to appreciate this unique corner of the Kahurangi National Park.

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The Oparara Valley Trust showcases the Oparara Basin with a range of guided eco- tours to suit all ages and abilities.

Rich unspoiled rainforest stretches across an ancient valley floor of 400 million year old granite overlaid with a belt of limestone some 25 million years old. This easily eroded limestone, together with a million years of undisturbed isolation, has left a legacy of 3 magnificent  limestone arches stretching over the Oparara River, and a highly complex subterranean cave system.

 Cave and kayak tours venture into the Honeycomb Hill Specially Protected Area. Longer  trips combine bushwalking to the arches or down the Oparara Valley. 

The Oparara’s affinity with Tolkein’s mystical forests is reflected in the Lord of the Rings names scattered throughout the Basin.

Customised tours by arrangement
Qualmark rated

Guided cave tour: 10am & 1.30pm; $95 adult, $45 under 12. (min 2 max 8) Meeting at the top carpark in the Oparara Basin. Approx 2 1/2 hrs  Warm clothing and sturdy footwear essential

Guided kayak tour: 1.30pm; $95pp (min 2 max 5 ) Meeting at the top carpark in the Oparara Basin. Approx 2hrs.Kayaking trips are subject to last minute cancellation if river or weather conditions are unfavourable. Guides decision is final. Refundable.  Bring a  warm change of clothes and a towel. Children 12 qnd over with some experience

Kayak tours do not begin until mid-Dec when the blueduck breeding season is over. The kayaking season finishes in April..

Back to back cave/kayak tours available at a discounted price of 10%

Discount for group and family bookings of 10%

Transport available with the guide from Karamea for an additional $25pp

Honeycomb Hill Cave/Oparara Arch Guided Tour:: 9am pick up from door with morning and afternoon tea and a cut lunch provided. Approx 5 hours (min 2 max 4 per tour, or by arragement) $150pp

Grand Tour of Honeycomb Hill/Oparara Arch/Kohaihai; 8.30am pick up from door with morning and afternoon tea and gourmet lunch provided. Approx 8 hours (min 2 max 4 per tour, or by arrangement)   $240pp 

Valley Track Eco Walk: 8.30am pick up from accommodation with morning and afternoon tea and a cut lunch provided. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Approx 7 – 8 hours (min 2, max 4)  $240pp (Can use 2 guides and 2 vehicles)

Customised Tours available by arrangement

Access

Hire car available – phone 03 7826 757

If you use your own transport, allow 50 minutes driving time from Karamea to the top carpark in the Oparara Basin, the starting point for the cave and kayak tours.

Turn-off point into the Basin is some 10kms north on the Karamea-Kohaihai Road,.at McCallums Mill Road. Take care, put your headlights on, and watch for oncoming traffic for the next 16kms of gravel road. Not recommended for large motorhomes or buses

 

 QUALMARK Approved.