Directions

As you come into Karamea, drive until you reach the Karamea Information Centre corner – turn right on to Umere Road. The Karamea Gorge walking route begins at Virgin Creek about 10 kilometres up this road. It is a route track only – meaning it is not raised, level and marked.

Karamea Gorge Route

You don’t have to be a mad trout fisher, but it helps!

This rugged track follows the river from Virgin Creek up to Greys Hut.  It is a top rate trout fishery and an advanced river rafting challenge.  Times listed are one way only. Wire Rope (not for public use): ½ hour. Old Man Rock: 1 hour. Waterfall: 1½ hours. Mohawk Bluff 4 ½ hours. Greys Hut: 6 hours.  The hut is an old Forest Service Hut which sleeps six.

The Karamea is Kahurangi National Park's second largest river. This track follows the river’s course through a deep canyon between the Fenian Range and Stormy Ridge, the top of which is Mt Stormy (see the Mt Stormy Walk).   The river canyon walls rise more than 800 metres on both sides trapping the water torrents in between.  The force of this canyon floodwater through this narrow, dark chasm after rain can be frightening.  So be warned, do not attempt this track if rain is forecast locally or in the headwater areas.

For the brave, there is a track along its bank to Grey Hut (a difficult overnight tramp), but for the more casual tramper, for a bit of water drama, try the track as far as Old Man Rock – a massive rock buttress lodged in the riverbed.

Sandfly alert: 

A quality sandfly repellent is recommended for this area as this is prime sandfly breeding country – or you could try an old Karamea sandfly repellent method – i.e. to apply a strong whisky all over your skin so that the sandflies get drunk and throw rocks at each other.  Then drink the rest of the whisky and get a good night’s sleep!