Oparara Basin walking tracks

Walking track

Getting there

An old forestry road provides access for walkers, cavers and other nature lovers to the Oparara Basin. The road branches inland approximately nine kilometres north of Karamea on the road to Kohaihai. It is a further 12 km to the arches car park and another three kilometres to the caves car park.

Description

‘K’ Road Track

Distance:  27 km

Officially opened in June 2003, ‘K’ Road affords walkers and mountain bikers the opportunity to explore approximately 27 km of old logging roads, constructed between the late 1960s and December 1986 when logging in the Oparara area came to an end. The return trip is approximately 27 kilometres long - it is graded as an Easy to Medium track. The K-Road is wide enough for both the keen tramper and the enthusiastic mountain biker, and features areas of cut-over bush, exotic plantations, and fast regenerating native species, with some water features and several stunning views.

Oparara Arch

Time:  40 min return

From the first car park a well-formed track leads up the Oparara riverbank, through beech and podocarp forest and past limestone outcrops. The arch is 219 metres long with sides 79 metres apart and a roof 43 metres above the river that carved the impressive feature.

Moria Gate Arch

Time:  1 hr

Smaller than the Oparara Arch, the Moria Gate Arch is very pretty and should not be missed. It is 19 metres high, 43 metres wide and fully deserving its ‘Lord of the Rings’ name.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

back to top