Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi National Park is a large national park on the northwest portion of New Zealand’s South Island, established in 1996 and covering roughly 4,520 square kilometres. It is New Zealand’s second largest national park.

Landscape highlights include extensive karst and limestone country, native forest, alpine ranges and coastal areas; the park contains a network of tramping routes used by walkers, including the long-distance Heaphy Track of about 78 kilometres. Birdlife and plant diversity are significant attractions for visitors interested in native flora and fauna.

The national park was created under New Zealand conservation legislation in 1996 to protect its varied ecosystems and recreational values; since then the Department of Conservation has managed tracks, huts and access. Conservation management focuses on native species protection and maintaining public access for tramping and backcountry recreation.

Kahurangi sits in the northwestern South Island, inland from the Tasman coast and north of the city of Nelson, with access points from several small towns along the park boundary.

• Size and date: Covers roughly 4,520 square kilometres and was established as a national park in 1996.
• Heaphy Track: Contains the Heaphy Track, a long-distance walking route of about 78 kilometres classified as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Kahurangi National Park is accessed from several towns including Takaka, Collingwood and Karamea (northwest South Island). State Highway 60 leads to Takaka; local roads and tracks enter the park. Many routes require four-wheel drive or hiking approaches; consult the Department of Conservation for track conditions and hut bookings.

• Plan multi-day treks carefully: huts book up in peak season and GPS is essential in remote valleys.
• Bring layers and expect rapid weather changes - high ridgelines can be exposed even in summer.
• If interested in rare flora, hire a park ranger or local guide who knows the alpine zones and endemic species.