Walk
Oparara Arches
Karamea, West Coast
Giant limestone arches and a mossy forest stream, a short drive inland from Karamea.
- Cost
- Free
- Time to allow
- 3 hours
Oparara Basin has several huge natural arches carved by the river, linked by easy forest tracks. Moria Gate and the Oparara Arch are the two big ones and take about an hour each way. The setting is thick rainforest with dark tea-coloured water.
Good to know
- Road in is narrow and partly gravel, leave big motorhomes in Karamea
- Take a torch if you want to explore the caves on the guided tour
- Go mid-morning for the best light under the arches
- Bring insect repellent
- Best time
- Morning, dry weather
- Open
- All year
- Getting there
- Narrow road, last section gravel, 2WD fine in the dry
- Vehicles
- Fine in any car
- Dogs
- No dogs
Facilities
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
The location is approximate. Check the official website before you go.
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
Know what the drive costs
Roadtrip works out the fuel or charging cost of any drive for your exact car, finds the cheapest stations on the way, and plans the stops.
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