A Brief Profile of Karamea
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Karamea is a secluded haven, situated at the end of the road, at the Northern end of the South Island's West Coast. It is flanked by the bush-covered mountains of the Kahurangi National Park on the one hand and the Tasman Sea on the other.
Karamea, with its mild climate and beautiful surroundings, has that relaxed "off the beaten track" feeling not often found nowadays.
The surrounding area has a wonderful array of natural features to please everybody whether you are a tramper, caver, botanist, geologist, hunter, fisherman or just looking for a quiet spot to spend a family holiday. Karamea has it all.
History
Maori occupation in this area seems to have been mainly seasonal. The first Europeans and Chinese would have been early gold-miners in the 1860s. The first true settlement of the area took place in 1874 when the (then) fine harbour and sea provided the only means of contact with the outside world. This original settlement was on the South Terrace but poor soil forced the inhabitants down to the river valley. One side of the river (Umere) was known as the Land of Promise, the other side (Arapito) as the Promised Land.
Farming was to become a major industry, but timber, flax and gold also provided a means to a living. The Murchison earthquake in 1929 caused the silting up of the harbour and cut the community's road link for about two years.
Dairying remains a major industry of Karamea. Sphagnum moss, possum control. fishing, fine furniture production, horticultural tomato growers and a plant nursery also provide income, while the service industry employs approximately a quarter of the workforce.
Climate
Karamea has an average of around 2000 sunshine hours per annum, making it the sunniest spot on New Zealand's South Island's West Coast.
| Average Reading | Daily Temps
Max/Min(°C) | Monthly
Sunshine Hours
| Relative
Humidity
| Monthly
Days of frost
| Monthly Rainfall
mm/inch
| Monthly
Rainy Days | Summer
(Dec/Jan/Feb)
| 
24/8
| 195
| 81%
| Nil
| 110/4.3
| 
10
| Autumn
(Mar/Apr/May)
| 
17/3
| 107
| 87%
| 1.2
| 130/5
| 
12
| Winter
(Jun/Jul/Aug)
| 
16/2
| 143
| 78%
| 1.9
| 120/4.7
| 
11
| Spring
(Sep/Oct/Nov)
| 
21/6
| 182
| 80%
| Nil
| 130/5
| 
11
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Karamea is known as the winterless north of The West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
The West Coast region is some 600 kilometres (373 miles) long and Karamea is the most northern end, at the road end. Unlike the far south with its 8 metres (315 inches) per year of rainfall. Karamea's temperate climate produces just over 1500mm (59 inches) of rain per year, just enough to keep the palm trees, tree ferns and the forest lush and green.
It is also comforting to know that New Zealand, because of it's geographic location has no dangerous animals or insects and no snakes whatsoever. In fact the worst thing you are likely to come across in the forest is "Sandflies", their bite can be quite irritating but insect repellent stops them biting you. A natural paradise really.
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The Rata has two varieties, Northern (Metrosideros Robusa) and Southern (M. umbellata - pictured below). The Southern Rata and a close relative, Pohutukawa (M. excelsa) grow in profusion in the area. They flower around Christmas time, making the forest a real picture and bear testament to the wonderful climate in the area.
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Obtained locally:
- North West Nelson Tramping Guide, by Derek Shaw. Pub. Nikau Press, Box 602. Nelson.
- Buller Walks, by Terry Sumner. Pub. Nikau Press.
- Karamea A Story of Success, Ed. Dulcie Harmon. Pub. Karamea Centennial Committee.
- Department of Conservation publications - Specific track details. The Heaphy & Its People by Barry Chalmers.
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