The Kohaihai River mouth (South Island West coast) is as far as the road goes up the beautiful and rugged West Coast, from the South. See my other post of Anatori – about 10km south of the Anatori River mouth is as far as the road goes from the North. There’s a lot of land in between, mostly the Kahurangi National Park but no roads.
The entire length of the Kohaihai river is within the Kahurangi National park and the river’s mouth marks the south western end of the Heaphy Track.
One of New Zealand’s nine great walks, the Heaphy Track, finishes here or starts, depending on which way you’re heading. The 78.4 kilometre, four to five day tramp attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Many people choose to walk only to the first or second huts on the track instead of walking its entire length.
The DOC campsite has BBQ and picnic areas and allows dogs as long as they are kept under control at all times (they are not allowed on the Heaphy Track).
This area is very remote and beautiful just remember the sandfly spray, you will need it!! We did find that when we lit the fire not only did the sandflies go away but some other campers came to share the fire and a couple of Irish guys cooked their steak on it.
Other than the Heaphy track, there are other shorter walks to do in the area and plenty of beach to explore. We really enjoyed the area over our two day stay.
You can only stay here for maximum 2 nights in a row.
The nearest town is Karamea.
The fire kept the sand flies away and a few other campers came to cook their tea on the bbq.
Start or end of the Heaphy track
Looking back towards the beach from the Heaphy track
Looking inland up the river towards the Heaphy track
The wild West Coast
looking South
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