After hooking up to the internet (albeit extremely slow) and catching up with laundry in Westport, we took a quick trip to up to Karamea - the gateway to the Kahurangi National Park. On the northern side of Karamea is the Kohaihai River mouth and beach which is also the starting out point for the famous Heaphy Track. The river cuts through its sandy shores like a hot knife cutting through butter, and had changed its face dramatically since the last time we'd been there. It was interesting to see the incoming tide push in against the outflowing river creating a ridge of murky water as the salty sea water mixed with the fresh water - all backdropped by some dramatic rocky outcrops. The site has a few grassy campsites which are only metres away from the beach itself plus toilets.
Since we aim to travel down south as far as Punakaiki, we limit the amount of time in Karamea and head back in the direction of Westport and beyond.
Further down the coast (after Westport) we enter the Paparoa National Park where the road is lined by tall Nikau Palms overlooking the rocky coastline of the West Coast. There are several viewpoints along the way - one in particular worth stopping at is the Irimahuwhero Viewpoint which also has some interesting interpretative signs about the geology, wildlife, flora and human history of the region.
We arrive in Punakaiki and walk out to the Pancake Rocks in time for sunset, plus there is some wave action creating the plumes of mist which are created when the waves roll in against the rocks and into the caves and crevasses which the sea has etched out. On many of the points in the rocks there are shafts and depending on the force of the waves the spray or mist is pushed up and out through these shafts making the rocks appear to be smoking like a chimney. The trail is formed in a loop which has several lookout points over surge pools, chimney pots, and views of the rugged and unforgiving coastline.
Time moves on, and darkness finally sets in between 9 - 9.30pm so we head to the local camp ground to park for the night.
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| Author: | Michelle Coats | ||
| Date: | 15.12.06 - nzk3s4919 Rugged West Coast on the South Island |
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