59-627: The Ōpārara Basin is a basin drained by the Ōpārara River at 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Karamea , at the West Coast Region of the South Island of New Zealand. With its large natural rock arches , a network of caves rich in fossils, and a beautiful, unspoiled natural environment typical of temperate rainforests , it is one of the most striking places of the Kahurangi National Park . The Ōpārara Basin
118-864: A block of land of 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) had been reserved on the south side of the Karamea River , and in April 1875 a further 1,667 acres (675 ha) was reserved on the north side of the Karamea River . The planning of the settlement was placed under the control of Eugene O'Conor , Provincial Secretary, and member of the New Zealand House of Representatives . The settlers at Karamea were mostly immigrants from four ships that arrived at Nelson between August 1874 and February 1875. The first settlers to arrive in Karamea were landed from
177-524: A breach channel to allow the next major flood to cut a new direct route to the sea, and mitigate the flood risk. Breach channels were constructed at the north end of the spit and a direct path was opened to the sea in 2017. The Regional Council cautioned that further interventions could be required in future to keep the outlet in a northern location. In July 2020, the West Coast Regional council secured funding to support Clean Streams Karamea,
236-517: A general store, supermarket, petrol pumps, information centre, cafe, hotel, camping ground, motels, backpackers, art & craft shop, and a community library. The Karamea War Memorial Library was opened in 1954 and for decades shared its building with the Plunket rooms. It expanded to occupy the whole building in the mid 1990s, and now operates as an entirely volunteer-run library with approximately 50 subscriptions. The Karamea Centennial Museum
295-425: A locally based not-for-profit environmental group. The funding will enable the raising and planting of 315,000 trees along 80 kilometres (50 mi) of riparian margins of waterways through farms. The project is expected to take 3–5 years. Karamea town covers 66.08 km (25.51 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 430 as of June 2024, with a population density of 6.5 people per km . The town had
354-546: A permanent option over the colder part of the year. Mountain biking the Heaphy Track is now allowed each year from 1 May to 30 November for groups not exceeding six riders. Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on State Highway 67 . There is no other connecting road to the town – the road north ends at the Kohaihai River some 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Karamea, at the southwestern end of
413-762: A population density of 0.29 people per km . The statistical area had a population of 714 at the 2018 New Zealand census , a decrease of 54 people (−7.0%) since the 2013 census , and a decrease of 84 people (−10.5%) since the 2006 census . There were 381 households, comprising 393 males and 324 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.21 males per female. The median age was 53.3 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 99 people (13.9%) aged under 15 years, 60 (8.4%) aged 15 to 29, 378 (52.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 177 (24.8%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 92.0% European/ Pākehā , 10.5% Māori , 2.9% Pasifika , 0.8% Asian , and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
472-621: A population of 354 at the 2018 New Zealand census , a decrease of 21 people (−5.6%) since the 2013 census , and a decrease of 69 people (−16.3%) since the 2006 census . There were 204 households, comprising 195 males and 159 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.23 males per female, with 51 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 18 (5.1%) aged 15 to 29, 195 (55.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (28.0%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 93.2% European/ Pākehā , 6.8% Māori , 3.4% Pasifika , 2.5% Asian , and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer
531-470: Is a small dairy farming village located 17 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea. It has a surfing beach and a river popular for whitebaiting and fishing. There is a large estuary known as Ōtūmahana, at the mouth of the Karamea River. This estuary is also the mouth of Baker Creek and Granite Creek. The combined river mouths have formed a shallow mudflat and salt marsh estuary with an area of approximately 400 hectares (990 acres). This type of environment
590-501: Is a small museum opened in 1974. The museum collections include photographs and exhibits on the local industries of sawmilling, dairying, gold mining, flax milling and shipping. Powelliphanta marchanti Powelliphanta marchanti is a species of land snail in the family Rhytididae . It is endemic to New Zealand . Powelliphanta marchanti is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as
649-545: Is a town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the northernmost settlement of any real size on the West Coast, and is located 96 kilometres (60 mi) northeast by road from Westport . Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by Kahurangi National Park . The town is located on the coastal plain adjacent to
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#1732797501221708-447: Is also a habitat of the blue duck , great spotted kiwi , both classified as endangered species, as well as the endemic kea , weka , New Zealand falcon , and paradise shelduck . Most of the area is covered in mixed beech and podocarp forest. The forest floor consists of a thick carpet of mosses, ferns, and understorey plants. Due to the sometimes shallow soil, these plants often have to squeeze their root systems through cracks in
767-403: Is also famous for its unique remains in paleozoology and for being the sole habitat of several plant and animal species. With its natural environment relatively closed and isolated, the Ōpārara Basin has long been protected from human influence. However, the locations of natural rock arches have been indicated in maps as early as from the 1880s. Logging of native timber in the area started in
826-489: Is explained by the fact that the holes in the limestone could trap bones, protect them from heavy rains and preserve them for long periods of time due to constant thermal conditions and the chemical similarity of bones and limestone. Intact skeletons older than 20,000 years have been discovered. In 2008, the Kahurangi National Park was expanded by an additional 10 hectares to complete the protection of
885-488: Is strictly protected, with even the collection of empty shells prohibited, while the latter has only been found in areas around 700m from the Ōpārara River. The spiders Oparara karamea and Oparara vallus are also endemic to the area, while the caves are home to the protected Nelson cave spider Spelungula , glowworms ( Arachnocampa luminosa ), and the New Zealand greater short-tailed bat . The Ōpārara Basin
944-586: Is the site of an early Māori encampment dating back to perhaps 1380 AD, and there is evidence it was one of the few sites in the northwest South Island occupied by people for extended periods of time. There is significant evidence of stoneworking, including local pounamu as well as argillite , obsidian , and chert imported from elsewhere in Aotearoa. The significance of the site to Ngāi Tahu led to it being excluded from Kahurangi National Park . The first Europeans and Chinese would have been early gold-miners in
1003-458: Is used for the township and also for the surrounding area. Large shell middens have been found in the area. Radiocarbon dating indicates that these middens are associated with occupation in the period AD 1400 to AD 1600. The evidence suggests that the site was used by Māori as a temporary stopping place on the route down the coast to collect pounamu . The mouth of the Heaphy River
1062-505: Is vulnerable and is nationally uncommon. The estuary is an important feeding and breeding area for birds and fish. The estuary is the third largest tidal estuary on the West Coast, after Ōkārito Lagoon and Saltwater Lagoon . It has been classified as a Significant Wetland by the West Coast Regional Council in its Regional Land and Water Plan. A small specially protected area of wetland known as Ōtūmahana Reserve
1121-545: The Big Rimu Walk . Karamea provides a base for transport and accommodation for visitors coming to the area for mountain biking . Prior to the establishment of Kahurangi National Park in 1996, mountain biking was a popular activity on the Heaphy Track. In the final 12 months before the North West Nelson Forest Park became a National Park, around 2,000 mountain bikers completed the route. At
1180-423: The Heaphy River . Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by Kahurangi National Park . There are two main areas of residential accommodation and businesses on the north side of the Karamea River. These are Market Cross and the settlement of Karamea itself. These two locations are around 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. On
1239-592: The Heaphy Track , one of New Zealand's nine "Great Walks", is at the Kohaihai River , about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Karamea. The western end of the Wangapeka Track is near Little Wanganui, around 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea. Popular attractions in the area include the Ōpārara Basin , (including the Ōpārara Basin Arches ), Honeycomb Hill Cave , Fenian Track and caves, and
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#17327975012211298-506: The Heaphy Track , or see popular local attractions such as the Ōpārara Basin , Ōpārara Arches , the Fenian Track and caves, the Big Rimu Walk and the coastal scenery north of Kōhaihai on the Heaphy Track. The name Karamea is Māori – despite local jokes suggesting it was named by an Italian for his love – and is thought to either mean "red ochre" or be a corruption of Kakara taramea , "the smell of speargrass leaves." The name
1357-441: The Heaphy Track . As at 2018, the road to Karamea was funded by Waka Kotahi via a special purpose road funding category, but the agency signalled that this funding category could end by 2024. Air transport is available from Karamea Aerodrome . Golden Bay Air flies from Karamea to from Wellington, Takaka and Nelson. There is also a helicopter charter service at the aerodrome. Karamea township offers local services including
1416-402: The Karamea River and the Ōtūmahana Estuary . The town consists of two small settlements, Market Cross and Karamea proper, located about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. Up the Karamea River are the farming areas of Arapito (on the south bank) and Umere (on the north bank). Karamea is a gateway to the Kahurangi National Park, and provides a base for visitors coming to walk or mountain bike
1475-522: The National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. Further finds included skeletons of Lyall's wren , New Zealand owlet-nightjar , Aptornis otidiformis , and nine different species of moa , whose skeletons are visible in the caves. Bones of amphibians and lizards as well as the remains of about 40 different species of snails have also been found. The wealth of intact bones and skeletons
1534-694: The 1860s. In the early 1870s, the Nelson Provincial Government investigated the use of Special Settlement Areas as a way of developing remote parts of the province, and attracting immigrants. The conditions to be offered to immigrants included the offer of land on deferred payment terms, and the opportunity of partial employment by the Provincial Government for the first year after the immigrants arrived. The allotments of land would be between forty and two hundred acres to each head of family, and be open to those already in
1593-799: The Colony, as well as new immigrants. The Nelson Special Settlements Act was passed on 25 October 1872, to allow the scheme to proceed, but there were disputes with central government about allowing the scheme to extend to those already resident. Prior to 1874, the Nelson Province had not been significantly involved in the immigration schemes organised by the Colonial Government , but in October of that year, around 250 adults arrived in Nelson seeking work, and another shipload of immigrants
1652-648: The Honeycomb Hill Cave system. Honeycomb Hill Cave is in a restricted area, with access permitted by permit only. The Oparara Trust has a concession from the Department of Conservation to provide guided tours of the area. Nowadays this basin is an important habitat of many endemic species, some of which are endangered or unique to the area. The Ōpārara Basin is the only place where the large carnivorous landsnails Powelliphanta marchanti and Powelliphanta annectens have been found. The former species
1711-427: The Karamea area, with all roads in the district closed and nearly all bridges damaged. Houses were badly damaged, with no chimneys left standing, and some houses burnt down. The wharf and wharf sheds were also badly damaged. The road from Westport to Karamea was severely damaged by large landslides, and telephone lines were broken completely isolating the town. A party travelled on foot from Karamea to Westport to report
1770-494: The Karamea harbour while the road was rebuilt. Dairy farming in the area began with the opening of the first Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company in 1893. This company struggled with payouts to farmers less than expectations and the venture was wound up in March 1897. There was no further progress until 1906, when J Curtin & Co opened a butter factory near the site of the 1893 plant. A newly formed Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company
1829-645: The Karamea township. In August 1931, the settlers were given access to relief funding from the West Coast Earthquake Relief Fund for the damage caused by these floods. Over the next few years, stop banks and training walls were constructed on the north side of the river to help mitigate the flood risk to the town. In May 1936 the Karamea School Committee notified the Education Board of their concerns about
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1888-628: The census's question about religious affiliation, 61.9% had no religion, 24.6% were Christian and 2.5% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 30 (9.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 78 (25.7%) people had no formal qualifications. 27 people (8.9%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 114 (37.6%) people were employed full-time, 63 (20.8%) were part-time, and 12 (4.0%) were unemployed. Karamea statistical area covers 3,129.18 km (1,208.18 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 900 as of June 2024, with
1947-531: The damage caused by repeated flooding of the school. Relocation to a new site was proposed. In October 1936 there was a further major flood that entered 40 houses in Karamea and Market Cross. In September 1937, a large flood led to the river breaking through to the sea at the location of the old river mouth, cutting a new channel that greatly reduced the flood risk to the town and enabled the entry of vessels at high tide. Further river protection works were installed between 1938 and 1940, and these successfully defended
2006-512: The damage. The earthquake disrupted efforts underway at the time to control an outbreak of diphtheria in the settlement, and it was necessary for serum to be delivered by air. The earthquake caused the silting up of the harbour and cut the community's road link for about two years. The reconstruction of the road over the hilly section between Mokihinui and Little Wanganui required a workforce up to 400 men at times. Small coastal vessels were used to transport people and supplies between Westport and
2065-471: The forest until it was banned in 2002. At the time of the bankruptcy, a major campaign was launched to ensure the protection and enhancement of the basin, as well as road maintenance, culminating in the founding of the Ōpārara Valley Project Trust and the purchase of the area on 1 October 2004. Miners and deer hunters have often reported spectacular rock formations in the Honeycomb Hill area, but it
2124-467: The late 19th century, with the building of the McCallum's sawmill . As the logging areas progressed to be further away from the sawmill, it became necessary to build an access road into the rugged environment. Eventually, maintenance costs and extensions of this road escalated, and after changes of ownership and a belated attempt at reforestation, the sawmill went bankrupt . Selective logging continued in
2183-439: The limestone to gain a hold, furthering the erosion of the limestone layer. The very rare moss Epipterygium opararense was named after the area and grows near the entrances of arches and caves in the Ōpārara Basin. Despite meticulous research, only 175 plants have been found near a tramping path. Several of the plant species in the area release tannins into the water upon the decomposition of their vegetation. This colours
2242-439: The roots of the lush vegetation. Tectonic activity as well as changes in the level of the nearby sea have supported the appearance of unique geological formations. The basin currently contains many of the typical features found in a karst landscape, as well as some impressive rock arches and caves, and sites rich in limestone fossils. The Ōpārara Basin is famous for its unique remains in paleozoology . The Honeycomb Hill Cave area
2301-531: The sea. From December 2010, the combined opening migrated south. Between 2013 and 2015, the channel moved further south by over 2 kilometres (1.2 mi). In 2016, the channel was 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of the most direct route from the river to the sea. This southern location of the channel increases the risk of flooding in some areas of Karamea. A report to the West Coast Regional Council in 2016 recommended mechanical excavation of
2360-400: The service industry employs approximately a quarter of the workforce. Other former industries in the area include sphagnum moss , possum control, fishing, and fine furniture production. Horticultural tomato growers and a plant nursery also provide income. Fruit grown in the area includes tamarillo , which can be grown here due to the area's mild and frost-free microclimate . In 2020, it
2419-418: The south of the existing outlet. Deposits of silt raised the level of the river bed and led to a greatly increased risk of flooding in the townships of Karamea and Market Cross. On 30 December 1929 there was heavy damage in Karamea and Arapito from a sudden flood attributed to the breach of a dam created during the earthquake. In April 1931, floodwaters entered most of the homes around Market Cross, and some in
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2478-406: The south side of the river, and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) inland, is the small settlement of Arapito , and across the river from it is the settlement of Umere . These were originally called Promised Land and Land of Promise , respectively, when they were settled around 1880. The mouth of the Ōpārara River is around 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the centre of Karamea. Little Wanganui
2537-399: The steamer Charles Edward , on 27 November 1874. Most of the 20 men who were landed had no experience of breaking in new land. They were initially allocated small sections of pakihi – flat boggy land with infertile, waterlogged soil high up on a terrace to the south of the Karamea River. Better land was found on the Karamea River flats below the terrace, but there were delays before this land
2596-552: The time, the National Parks Act 1980 did not permit mountain biking in National Parks, other than on formed roads. Lobbying activities to allow the return of mountain biking on the Heaphy Track continued through until 2011, when a three-year trial began. The trial permitted mountain biking during the winter season from 1 May to 30 September. The mountain bike trial period ended in 2016 and mountain biking became
2655-465: The township during a heavy flood in the river in February 1940. Survey records since 1912 indicate that there have been either single or double openings to the sea from the Ōtūmahana Estuary, and that these openings have migrated over 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) of shoreline since records began. Between 2008 and 2010, the two openings merged at a location giving a direct exit from the Karamea River to
2714-510: The township. In 1899, a large flood swept away a new bridge across the river and caused damage to settlers homes, farms and crops. Another major flood caused serious damage in January 1915, inundating the main street and the majority of houses. The Murchison earthquake on 17 June 1929 led to debris blocking the existing mouth of the Karamea River, and a new outlet to the sea formed from the Ōtūmahana lagoon around 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) to
2773-635: The waters of the streams and rivers in the area a brown to red tea-like hue, depending on season and rainfall. The Ōpārara Valley is a popular tourist destination, with relatively short walks to see the natural rock arches Moria Gate and the Oparara Arch , Mirror Tarn, and the accessible caves Box Canyon Cave and Crazy Paving Cave. The Honeycomb Hill Caves are restricted to visitors on an authorised guided tour. 41°09′03″S 172°11′27″E / 41.1508695°S 172.1908772°E / -41.1508695; 172.1908772 Karamea Karamea
2832-426: Was $ 19,900, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 48 people (7.8%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 219 (35.6%) people were employed full-time, 126 (20.5%) were part-time, and 27 (4.4%) were unemployed. In 2020, it was reported that Karamea had a GDP of $ 26.8m, with 199 jobs in 111 businesses. Dairy farming and tourism are the main economic drivers, and
2891-404: Was 16.4, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 65.1% had no religion, 21.8% were Christian , 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs and 1.7% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (8.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 165 (26.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income
2950-448: Was allocated. Women and children arrived in January 1875. In October 1875, using labour from the settlers, work began on creating an inland track over the hills between Little Wanganui and Mohikinui to bypass the difficult and dangerous coastal track. The road to Karamea over the hilly section (known as the Karamea bluffs) north of Mokihinui, was not opened until 1916. The Murchison earthquake on 17 June 1929 caused severe damage in
3009-624: Was completed in 2009, opening up more of the Ōpārara Basin to tourists who would have originally only visited the Heaphy Track . Several placenames in the area are inspired by The Lord of the Rings , such as Galadriel Creek, Nimrodel Creek, and Moria Gate Arch. The Ōpārara Basin resides on a foundation of 350 million year old granite, which was covered with a 15-60m thin layer of limestone approximately 35 million years ago. The surface layer consists of blue-grey mudstone. The limestone layer has been extensively eroded by annual rainfall of up to 6m and
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#17327975012213068-468: Was discovered in 1976 and in 1982 was given the status of a site of global significance in paleozoology due to discoveries of bones of several species that had gone extinct upon human settlement. In 1984, the first systematic discovery campaign led to finds of the bones of fifty birds, most of which were extinct species. The first and most complete bones of the Haast's eagle were found here, now on display at
3127-504: Was established at the south-east corner of the estuary in 1983. A life-size bronze statue of the extinct Haast's eagle or hōkioi was erected in Karamea in 2020. The initiative was a joint undertaking of the Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project and local iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and Ngāti Waewae. The hōkioi represents the spiritual guardian of the estuary. The statue is called Te Maia Kahurangi , and
3186-526: Was established in 1911, to purchase the Curtin's factory. The new company received its first cream for processing on 20 September 1911. Approximately 40 tonnes was produced in the first year. There was no road out of Karamea at the time, so all the production had to be shipped on vessels that were capable of crossing the Karamea bar. In 1935, the Karamea dairy factory was manufacturing 300 tonnes of butter annually. The industry slowly expanded, and milk powder
3245-520: Was manufactured locally from the 1970s. Local processing eventually ceased, and milk is now transported by road tanker to Hokitika . Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on State Highway 67 . The town is situated on a coastal plain adjacent to the mouth of the Karamea River and the Ōtūmahana Estuary in Karamea Bight , a large bay formed by the curve of coastline for 100 kilometres (62 mi) north from Cape Foulwind , to
3304-643: Was not until an exploration of the Buller Caving Group in the 1980s that an inventory of the 70 entrances to 13 km of galleries located in the Honeycomb Hill Cave system was compiled. These explorations revealed the scientific significance of the cave system by discovering the largest collection of bird fossils ever found in New Zealand. A six-year project to complete a 30 km network of walkways and mountain biking tracks
3363-406: Was on the way. There was insufficient work available to employ all these immigrants, and the province turned again to Special Settlement Areas as a solution. Karamea was chosen as a site for a Special Settlement Area partly because the area was already known from a gold rush 7 years earlier, but also that it had a harbour, and there were steamers passing regularly along the coast. By November 1874,
3422-445: Was reported that there had been a significant increase in the local population, with increasing demand for housing, and an increase in the roll at Karamea Area School. Tourists visit Karamea all year round to enjoy the many scenic attractions in the region, including Kahurangi National Park. Tourism is a fast-growing segment of the local economy, and the region has been said to be "New Zealand's best-kept secret". The southern end of
3481-411: Was unveiled on 22 February 2020. It depicts the ancestor Te Maia who rode an eagle he raised from a chick. It was cast in bronze by Gillie and Marc and is 300 cm high. The Karamea River has a catchment area, including its tributaries, of 1,210 km (470 sq mi), representing around 23% of the entire area of Kahurangi National Park. There is a history of the river causing flooding in
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