Directions

From Karamea township drive north 15kms into the Heaphy Track area, to Kohaihai River and the road’s end. The road becomes gravel (shingle) as you get into the Kahurangi National Park, but it is a reasonable road.

Heaphy Track - Zig-Zag Lookout Track

Watch for the world’s best ‘green flash’ at sunset!

There are a number of short walks en route to Scotts Beach, a popular destination at the beginning of the Heaphy Track.  The Zig Zag Lookout track is one of these.  Just at the top of the first hill from the Kohaihai carpark area, turn right and start the steadily climbing zig-zag track to the top of the hill.  (Don’t worry – there are seats along the way) – and the views are so magical you won’t want to rush!  And your reward at the top - a great place to sit and watch the orange and purple colours of a brilliant sunset.

There is a large picnic and camping area at road end, as well as toilets, shelter and telephone.

PS – Sandfly alert – do make sure you take a good repellent to ensure you have a nice day and those pesky little biting insects don’t.  They can be a nuisance up here, especially in the forest shade.