Leslie - Karamea Track
Tramping track
Time:
6 - 9 days one way
Distance:
91 km
Getting there
Flora car park
Roads from Nelson and Motueka meet the Motueka River at Ngatimoti where a bridge crosses to West Bank Road. The unsealed Graham Valley Road climbs steeply to Flora car park where there is a toilet and information shelter.
Karamea River
Wangapeka Track (eastern end)
From Tapawera follow the signposts west to the Wangapeka Valley. While there is a swingbridge for foot traffic, the Dart River may not be passable by vehicles after heavy rain. There is an information kiosk and public telephone at Prices Creek, just before the track entrance. A public telephone is nearby.
Wangapeka Track (western end)
From the West Coast road, turn off at Little Wanganui and drive inland on Wangapeka Road to the car park where the track begins.
Public transport
A bus service runs from Nelson to Tapawera. From Nelson, Motueka, and Tapawera, on-demand services run to the entrances of the track. Similar services run from the Karamea end, and an air service can take you back to your starting point.
About the area
Created in 1996, Kahurangi is one of New Zealand's newest and the second largest national park. It's located in the northwest corner of New Zealand's South Island.
Description
The Leslie–Karamea Track is one of the region’s premier semi-wilderness experiences, situated in the middle of Kahurangi National Park. It is a 3–4 day link through the earthquake-torn Karamea Valley, between Flora car park and the Wangapeka Track; 6–9 days are needed to get from road end to road end.
The Leslie–Karamea is classified as a tramping track. It is marked but not benched, and quite rough in places. Many of the streams along the track are not bridged and flood-prone. Strong footwear, backcountry experience and a good level of fitness are required for any trip into this area.
Activities
Fishing
Hunting
Fishing
The Karamea River and its tributaries offer good fishing opportunities. Anglers require a licence from the local Fish and Game Council.
Hunting
Hunting is encouraged in the national park. Each hunter requires a permit from DOC.
Places to stay
This is a serviced 22-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
This is a standard 22-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
This is a standard 12-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
This is a standard 12-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
This is a basic 6-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
This is a standard 12-bunk hut in the Motueka area.
A Backcountry Hut Pass or Backcountry Hut Tickets are required to stay in the huts. All are standard huts requiring one ticket per night, except Salisbury Lodge which is a serviced hut. The Wangapeka Track huts are standard huts (one ticket). There is no charge for Cecil Kings Hut or Stag Flat, Little Wanganui, Rolling Junction and Flora Valley Shelters.
There are no designated campsites on this track.
Plan and prepare
- Undertake this track only if you are an experienced tramper. Be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and extra food.
- Rivers can rise quickly. Do not cross when they are swollen.
- Please fill in the intentions books at huts and let someone know where you are going and when you intend returning. Remember your safety is your responsibility.
- All trampers should carry portable cookers.
- There are no rubbish facilities in the backcountry. All rubbish must be carried out of the park.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required
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