DescriptionKaramea is the northern most settlement on the West Coast and is located 96kms north of Westport by road. There is no connecting road north of Karamea-the road ends at the Kohaihai River 20kms north, at the southern end of the Heaphy Track.
The first Europeans and Chinese were gold miners in the 1860's but the first true settlement took place in 1874.
Karamea boasts a very temperate climate making it ideal for many types of horticulture. Dairying remains the major industry but flax, timber and gold once helped to provide a means of living.
The Oparara River runs through the limestone forming tunnels and arches known as the Oparara Basin Arches and are a well known tourist attraction.
West Coast New Zealand History (6th May 2015). Karamea. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 2nd Aug 2026 14:08, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1276
