Get In Touch
Whether you’re planning your escape to the wild West Coast or already here soaking in the beauty of Karamea, we’d love to hear from you – reach out to experience the warmth of Karamea’s Last Resort.
Contact Information
- Address: 71 Waverley Street, Karamea
- Email: enquiries@lastresortkaramea.co.nz
- Phone: +64-3-782-6617
- Free Phone: 0800-505-042
Getting Here
Getting here can be a bit of a mission, but that’s all part of the Karamea experience.
Where exactly is Karamea?
Karamea is situated right at the most northern end of the South Island’s West Coast. The entire West Coast region of New Zealand is only around 600 kilometres (373 miles) long.
Karamea is where the road ends on the West Coast… and the Heaphy Track begins.
Getting to Karamea by car
Passing over the river the road begins to climb up the Karamea Bluff to reach a high point of 420m. It then descends slowly through mixed Rata / Kamahi bush through which you can catch occasional glimpses of Mount Domett (1646m) and surrounding ranges.
Shortly after leaving the hills the road crosses the Little Wanganui River (where many trampers turn right for the Wangapeka Track). The road turns once again towards the sea passing through Little Wanganui and 15km further along the coast you arrive in Karamea.
The actual distance between Westport and Karamea is 98 kilometres, so make sure you fill up the tank in either spot as it’s a long walk between fuel stops. The road is fully sealed and is easily completed in around 1.5 hours, though it may take a little longer on weekends (and if you decide to make several photo-stops on one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand). It has stunning views of the Tasman coast, river valleys, lush rain-forest and jagged, untouched mountain ranges.
Flying to Karamea
Flight Services are available between Karamea, Nelson, Takaka and Wellington. The operators are: Golden Bay Air, Sounds Air and Helicopter Charter Karamea. Check out their websites for flight information.
Driving distances to last resort, karamea
Westport to Karamea 1 hour, 30 mins – 90 km
Punakaiki to Karamea 2 hours, 20 mins – 144 km
Reefton to Karamea 2 hours 30mins – 167 km
Greymouth to Karamea 3 hours – 187 km
Hokitika to Karamea 3 hours, 30mins – 227 km
Hanmer Springs to Karamea 4 hours, 30mins – 311 km
Nelson to Karamea 4 hours, 50 mins – 320 km
Blenheim to Karamea 5 hours 45 mins – 350 km
Franz Josef to Karamea 5 hours, 30mins – 370 km
Picton to Karamea 6 hours, 10 mins – 378 km
Christchurch (via Lewis Pass) 5 hours, 30 mins – 426 km
Kaikoura to Karamea 6 hours – 491 km
Queenstown to Karamea 11 hours, 30mins – 778 km