Kahurangi National Park

Walking, tramping, hiking, bird watching.....

We're lucky here in Motueka to not only have the world renowned Abel Tasman National Park but also the Kahurangi National Park as our playgound.

This park is known for its dramatically contrasting vistas - lush New Zealand native bush to alpine mountain tops.

Kahurangi is one of New Zealand's largest national parks. It is home to another New Zealand Great Walk - the Heaphy Track, covering 82kms from the north of the South Island to our spectacular West Coast.

The Flora Carpark entrance is located up the beautiful Motueka River Valley, a mere 45 minutes from Motueka and the Abel Tasman coastline.

Beautiful valley views stetch to glimpses of Tasman Bay and mountains surround you.

Families can enjoy easy, short walks with their baby buggies. Serious trampers can experience multi-day hikes in genuine, untracked wilderness areas which reach into alpine terrain.

It is a tramper's and day tripper's paradise.


Formed in 1996, the Kahurangi National Park protects much of the north-western corner of New Zealand's South Island.

Geographically it's the most complex area in New Zealand, with rolling tussock downs, wild river gorges, karst outcrops and spectacular cave systems.

The Kahurangi plays an important role in maintaining New Zealand's diverse biodiversity.

It is home to the largest remaining population of great spotted Kiwi, along with a range of birdlife including the endangered Blue Duck (Whio). If you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of them in fast flowing water or hear their whistle-like call.

You may also see one of New Zealand's endangered giant carnivorous land snails (Powelliphanta) or smallest giant weta.

Kahurangi protects over half of New Zealand's 2,400 native plant species, including a number of alpine flowers unique to this wonderful National Park.

Huts are available throughout the park along with interesting camp sites under rocky outcrops, used by early Maori, explorers and gold miners over a century ago.

The network of tracks cater for all fitness levels; combining opportunities for remote country tramping with half and full day walks suitable for families.

At 452,000 hectares, Kahurangi's immense size hides some striking landscapes.

For those with the time, knowledge and equipment to go further into the park, there are many excellent tracks and remote hunting or fishing experiences to explore.

With vistas to still the mind and rest the soul, the Kahurangi offers a readily accessible alpine experience for anyone visiting the Abel Tasman Region.

There is an irresistible reviving, exhilarating energy from the vast wilderness, experience it for yourself!

Activites in the Kahurangi National Park

There's something for everyone here:

• Tramping, hiking, walking.
• Birdwatching.
• Flora and fauna forays.
• Rafting.
• Fishing.
• Hunting.
• Caving.

Whatever activities you intend to enjoy, please remember that the Kahurangi National Park stretches to remote wilderness and alpine areas.

Always check the weather forecast and make sure you go equipped for your activity and the weather.

Sign in and out of the park and let someone know your route and return times.

The cave system in the park is very deep and not for the inexperienced.

Please note that hunting and fishing require permits in the park.