Cheap Flights to Karamea Airport

Discover Karamea

The Karamea Aerodrome is an aviation facility in the South Island of New Zealand. It serves Karamea, and is located 1NM north of the town. The aerodrome, operated by Karamea Airport Inc, resides at an elevation of 97 ft (30 m) above mean sea level. Its runway is designated 01/19, measuring 2714 ft x 26 ft (827 m x 8 m). Runway 01/19 is paved, with an asphalt surface.

The town of Karamea is one of the last unspoilt areas of New Zealand. It is the northernmost settlement on the West Coast, situated about 96 kilometres northeast of Westport. As a tourist destination, it is known for some of the most picturesque views in the region. It is also known as the Gateway to the Kahurangi National Park, and "New Zealand's best-kept secret."

What to see & do

Kahurangi National Park - Kahurangi National Park is the national park encompassing an area of 4,520 km2 in the northwest of the South Island. The second largest of the 14 national parks of New Zealand was established in 1996. Notable areas in the park include the Heaphy Track, Mount Owen, Wangapeka Track, and Kahurangi Point, the boundary between the West Coast and Tasman Regions. Popular activities in the park are tramping, rafting, and caving. Mountain biking on Heaphy Track used to be prohibited, but was allowed on a trial biases for the winters of 2011, 2012, and 2013. Since then, mountain biking will be allowed from 1 May annually for groups of six riders or less in order to minimize negative effect on trampers and the wildlife on the trial.

Karamea River - The Karamea River is located in the Tasman and West Coast Regions. It is known as a fisherman's paradise for trout fishing and white-baiting. Helifishing can be arranged.

Oparara Basin Arches - The Oparara Basin Arches are several natural limestone tunnels formed by the Oparara River. It can be reached by a forestry road from the main road about 9km north of Karamea. The most famous arches are the Moria Gate Arch and the larger Oparara Arch. The starting point for walking to the arches is just before the bridge over the Oparara River. There is a car park with modern open shelter as well as toilet facilities there. Around the area, there are also mountain bike tracks.

How to get around within South Island

South Island is served by a variety of public transport. A cheap way to get around to major destinations is by bus. Bus services in the island vary, from minivan shuttles to luxury coach services. There is also train service that offer scenic journeys; two of the most notable train routes on the island are Picton - Christchurch and Christchurch - Greymouth. Car rental is available.

How to get there

In order to get to Karamea through Karamea Aerodrome, book a flight with Golden Bay Air from Takaka Aerodrome in the town of Takaka or Wellington International Airport in the New Zealand capital Wellington. The largest international airport on South island is in Christchurch.