1
OPARARA ARCH WALK
An easy yet breathtaking walk to an impressive limestone arch, one of several short walks in the area.
Where is it? McCallums Mill Rd, 25km north of Karamea.
Terrain Well-formed easy tramping track.
Need to know McCallums Mill Rd is narrow and steep with a gravel surface, so large vehicles and campervans are not permitted. Maximum height restriction of 2.8m. 1080 operation at times, some sections may close. Check alerts.
Under an hour; 2km return Basic fitness required No dogs
Easy tramping track
Oparara Arches © West Coast Tourism NZ
TRACK OVERVIEW Please note: Mangatini Falls is currently inaccessible from the southern end access from SH 67 at Ngākawau, 35km northeast of Westport due to a large slip. The falls can be accessed from the northern end through Seddonville, 50km northeast of Westport on SH 67.
TRACK OVERVIEW A great little walk for people of all ages. Choose the left track just before you reach the Oparara Bridge and the track will take you along the river, through beech and podocarp forest and then dense native bush, eventually arriving at phenomenal limestone outcrops. In a short time you’ll reach the impressive limestone Oparara Arch, thought to be the largest of its kind in Australasia. Featuring exquisite shapes and colours, when the light is right, this place is heaven for painters and photographers.
CHARMING CREEK WALKWAY 2
Ngākawau track end to Watson’s Mill (3.5km; 1hr 15min one-way): The track starts with an easy 30min walk to an area where bins historically used for transporting timber and coal can be seen. From here the track enters the Lower Ngākawau Gorge and follows on to the suspension bridge, where you can admire views up and down the gorge. The impressive Mangatini Falls are visible from the track beyond the bridge. A 50m tunnel leads to a section of track called the Verandah with brilliant views of the river and Upper Ngākawau Gorge. The track then leads to the river flats of Charming Creek and the historic site of Watson’s Mill. Watson’s Mill to the historic Charming Creek mine entrance/car park (6km; 1hr 45min one-way): From Watson’s Mill follow the old railway tracks through old cutover and farm paddocks to Mumm’s Mill site. The track then leads onto the old Charming Creek mine entrance and car park. Charming Creek Walkway is made up of two sections and can be walked in either direction. Low-to-moderate fitness is required on this undulating track.
Access for dogs on lead only 2hr one way; 9.5km one way Low-moderate fitness required Undulating trail
BOTH IMAGES: © Miles Holden / Tourism NZ
Scenery and history combine as you walk along an historic bush tramway through the lower Ngākawau Gorge and the Charming Creek valley to the abandoned Charming Creek Coal Mine, passing historic saw milling and mining remains. The gorge nestles among steep bluffs while below, water foams past immense boulders in the riverbed.
Where is it? There are normally two points of access to the walkway but due to an active and highly dangerous slip the southern end access that is clearly signposted from SH 67 at Ngākawau, 35km northeast of Westport, is currently closed. The northern end is open and access is through Seddonville, 50km northeast of Westport on SH 67, and 10km along a gravel road to the walkway entrance at the abandoned Charming Creek mine site. Contact Westport i-SITE Visitor Centre on 03 789 6658 to arrange transport to and from the track ends.
WALKING MUST-DO'S 63
