Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch

Address of Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch: Via SH60 to Collingwood, Christchurch, New Zealand

Contact no. of Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch: 03 525 9136

Features of Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch

Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch is translated to mean “Treasured Possession”. It is indeed a gem and home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Heaphy Track. Rich in recreation, the park is a mixture of dense forest, coastal hiking tracks and alpine peaks. From as early as the 14th Century, Maori occupied Kahurangi and many traveled along its coastline in search of pounamu (greenstone). Charles Heaphy and Thomas Brunner were the first Europeans to traverse across the park to the coast and later other tracks were made by people wanting easy access to the goldfields on the West Coast.

Most of it Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch is sedimentary rock, laid down on an ancient sea-bed. Because of limestone in the park, there are a lot of caves, bluffs and sinkholes. The oldest fossil in New Zealand was found in Kahurangi, it was 540 million years old. Due to the large variation in climate in the Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch - wet, warm conditions on the coast contrasting with the alpine conditions further inland. The coastline has a tropical feel with its nikau palms. The features of Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch include:

The most popular track of the park is the Heaphy Track – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

The Wangapeka is another popular track, and many short walks can also be found close to the roads.

Rafting and Kayaking are other popular activities here. Rafting tours are also available.

Kahurangi is alsohome to some of the world’s deepest caves – though these should only be approached by professionals.

The park is home to many species including the endangered rock wren and the great spotted Kiwi.

Tramping is the main activity in the Kahurangi National Park in Christchurch. The two most popular tracks are the Heaphy Track (a Great Walk) and the Wangapeka.

The Karamea River is known around the world for its excellent trout fishing.

There are rafting and kayaking opportunities within Kahurangi, however most are only suitable for experienced kayakers.