Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi National Park is located in the northwest of New Zealand’s South Island, encompassing parts of both Tasman and West Coast regions. The nearest towns include Motueka, Takaka, and Karamea. Established in 1996, it is New Zealand’s second-largest national park and home to the famed Heaphy Track. Parking is available at major trailheads like Heaphy Track and Flora car park, often free but with limitations. Native wildlife includes the great spotted kiwi, kea, and endemic Powelliphanta snails. The park's flora is diverse, featuring beech forests, alpine tussock, and the rare Kahurangi sundew. Significant landmarks include Mount Owen, the Oparara Basin, and the limestone formations of the Karst landscape. Public transport options are available from Nelson to Karamea and Motueka, with shuttle services to popular trailheads like the Heaphy Track. The park’s diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.