Loading...
Kahurangi National Park
91 km
216 hours
3340 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a tramping experience that truly defines the New Zealand wilderness, the Leslie-Karamea Track is it. Tucked away in the wild, rugged heart of Kahurangi National Park, this is not your average weekend stroll. Spanning a massive 91 kilometres, this journey is a deep dive into some of the most remote and untouched terrain the South Island has to offer. It is a place of emerald rivers, ancient forests, and the haunting beauty of landscapes reshaped by the earth’s raw power.
This is a trip for those who like their adventures with a side of challenge. It’s an expert-level route that demands respect, preparation, and a genuine love for the "long haul." Whether you are a local looking to tick off a backcountry classic or a visitor wanting to see the "real" New Zealand far from the Great Walk crowds, the Leslie-Karamea offers a sense of solitude that is becoming increasingly rare.
The Leslie-Karamea Track is a point-to-point odyssey that typically takes between 6 and 9 days to complete. Because it’s a semi-wilderness experience, you won't find manicured gravel paths here. Instead, you’ll be navigating rough, unbenched terrain, clambering over treefall, and potentially sinking into boggy sections that will test the waterproof rating of your boots.
The journey usually begins at the Flora Car Park, climbing over Flora Saddle before dropping down to the historic Flora Hut. From here, you’ll traverse the open, rolling landscapes of the Tablelands to reach Salisbury Lodge. This is where the "official" Leslie-Karamea begins, and the environment shifts dramatically.
As you descend into the Leslie River valley, the canopy closes in, and the air becomes thick with the scent of damp moss and beech forest. You’ll eventually meet the mighty Karamea River, which you will follow for much of the middle section of the trip. The scale of the landscape is immense—high limestone bluffs tower over the valley, and the river itself is a constant, roaring companion.
The difficulty here isn't just the distance; it’s the technicality. The track is famous (or perhaps infamous) for its numerous river and stream crossings. Many of these are unbridged, meaning you need to be confident in your river-crossing techniques. If heavy rain hits, these streams can become impassable torrents in a matter of hours, requiring you to wait it out in a hut. It’s a "slow and steady" kind of walk where the reward is the profound silence of the backcountry.
The primary access point is Flora Car Park, located 36 km from Motueka via Graham Valley Road. This road is steep, narrow, and the last 5.8 km are unsealed, making it difficult for some vehicles. A 4WD vehicle is recommended year-round, and chains may be necessary during winter due to snow and ice. The carpark can accommodate approximately 20 cars and often fills up. Toilets and an information board are available at the carpark. It is not recommended to leave vehicles overnight due to security concerns. The western trailhead is at Little Wanganui carpark, accessible via an unsealed road 10 km from Te Namu, south of Karamea.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx haastii
New Zealand's largest kiwi species, the roroa is nocturnal and, while rarely seen, its distinctive call can sometimes be heard during twilight walks in the Bealey Valley.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Point to point
One of the most hauntingly beautiful features of this track is Moonstone Lake. Formed during the devastating 1929 Murchison earthquake, a massive landslide blocked the valley, drowning a stand of native forest. Today, the silver skeletons of those ancient trees still poke through the water’s surface, creating an eerie, prehistoric atmosphere that is a dream for photographers.
Another standout is the trek over Biggs Tops. If the weather plays ball, the panoramic views across the rugged interior of Kahurangi National Park are nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll see layers upon layers of mountains stretching toward the horizon, a reminder of just how vast this wilderness truly is.
Geology buffs will love the visible scars of the 1929 earthquake throughout the valley—giant slips and massive boulders that serve as a reminder of the seismic forces that shaped this land. And of course, the rivers themselves are highlights. The clear, emerald waters of the Leslie and Karamea are world-renowned among trout fishers, though just watching the water swirl through deep limestone pools is enough for most trampers.
This is a point-to-point track, so logistics require some thinking. Most people start at the Flora Car Park (the eastern end) and finish at Little Wanganui (the western end).
To reach Flora Car Park, you’ll head about 36 km from Motueka via Graham Valley Road. A word of warning: this road is steep, narrow, and the last 5.8 km are unsealed. While some brave souls take two-wheel drives up there, a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended year-round. In winter, snow and ice make chains essential. The car park has room for about 20 cars, but it fills up fast. A crucial tip for locals and tourists alike: do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and ideally, arrange for a shuttle or a key swap, as overnight parking is not recommended due to security concerns.
The western trailhead is the Little Wanganui car park, located about 10 km from Te Namu, just south of Karamea. This end is accessed via an unsealed road, and most trampers arrange a pre-booked shuttle to take them back to their starting point or to the nearest town.
Kahurangi National Park is a stronghold for some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Because this track is so remote, the birdlife is spectacular.
Keep your eyes on the river for the Whio (Blue Duck). These rare, slate-grey ducks love fast-flowing alpine rivers. You’ll often hear their distinctive whistling call over the sound of the water before you see them. On the forest floor, you are almost certain to encounter the Weka—a flightless, cheeky bird known for its curiosity (and for stealing any shiny gear you leave outside your tent!).
If you are lucky, you might hear the shrill call of the Kea at the higher elevations or around the huts. At night, keep your ears open for the rhythmic "mopoke" of the Ruru (Morepork) or the rare, piercing whistle of the Great Spotted Kiwi (Roa). Seeing a kiwi in the wild is rare, but the Leslie-Karamea is one of the best places to listen for them.
Kahurangi translates to "Treasured Possession" in Māori, and it’s easy to see why. This area has long been significant to Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama. Historically, Māori travelled through the mountain passes of this region to reach the West Coast in search of Pounamu (Greenstone).
The region is also famous for its "karst" limestone landscapes, featuring some of the deepest and longest cave systems in the Southern Hemisphere. While you’ll be staying above ground on this track, the limestone bluffs and unique rock formations you see are all part of this incredible geological story. The Leslie-Karamea is a journey through a landscape that feels "unfinished"—it is still being actively shaped by the elements.
After 9 days in the bush, you are going to be dreaming of a hot meal and a cold drink.
If you finish at the Little Wanganui end, head straight into Karamea. The Last Resort is a fantastic spot for a celebratory meal and a comfortable bed. Their food is hearty, and the atmosphere is exactly what a tired tramper needs.
If you’ve looped back or are heading back through Motueka, make a stop at The Moutere Inn. It is the oldest pub in New Zealand and serves incredible local craft beers and pub classics in a historic setting. For a quick caffeine fix and a world-class pie, the Motueka Sunday Market (if you time it right) or any of the local bakeries in town will hit the spot.
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis meridionalis
A large, noisy forest parrot, often heard chattering in the treetops and distinguished by its olive-brown and scarlet plumage, though less common than its alpine cousin, the Kea.
Best time: Year-round