Kohaihai Nikau Palms Walk is a short trail. It begins alongside the Kōhaihai River on the Heaphy Track. It meanders through vibrant rainforest as well as groves of nikau palms.
The trail is only 1.4 km long and is surrounded by beautiful nikau palms. It’s an easy route that takes an average of 18 minutes to complete. This trail is perfect for camping, hiking, and leisurely walks. Plus, it’s not very crowded so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature all to yourself.
Where is Kohaihai Nikau Palms Walk?
The Kohaihai Nikau Walk is a short loop walk in Kahurangi National Park, located 17 minutes north of Karamea.
The track starts from Kohaihai Shelter and Campsite and takes you through the Nikau forest. On a clear day, the sunlight filtering through the trees is truly magical. The end of Karamea-Kohaihai Road provides access to the starting point of this walk.
The Walk
As you embark on the short loop walk at the end of the Heaphy Track, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a mesmerizing native forest.
The diverse range of trees and plants will take your breath away, and the lush greenery will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Where it starts
To begin the walk, you’ll cross the Kōhaihai River via the suspension bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes.
Once you cross the bridge, the trailhead will greet you, and the adventure through the forest will begin.
About Nikau Palms
One of the main highlights of the trail is the abundance of nikau palms native to New Zealand. These beautiful palms add a touch of exotic tropical flair to the forest, and their slender trunks and large fronds create a stunning visual display.
The Nikau palm, a distinct and fascinating species, can be found in the world’s southernmost natural habitat for palm trees. This tree boasts extraordinary leaves that can grow up to 3 meters in length and 2 meters in width. Its stunning flowers, resembling coral, are found on spikes that are positioned below the crown and above the trunk. These spikes are enclosed by closely spaced leaf scars, adding to the tree’s unique and impressive appearance.
The Nikau palm is a tree that takes about 20 years to grow from the ground and is slow-growing. Once it reaches maturity, it sheds 3-4 fronds every year, leaving a natural record of its age in the form of an equatorial scar. The tree can reach a height of 10-15 meters with a circular trunk ringed by evenly spaced scars from fallen leaves and fronds up to 3 meters long.
The trail
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with informative signs pointing you in the direction of different places you may want to visit. During the loop, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature and take great pictures from the open spots along the river.
The tranquil atmosphere offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the sweet melodies of birds and the gentle rustling of palms.
On My Way To The Beach!
As I crossed the suspension bridge once again, I was filled with awe at the beauty of the Kohaihai River. The tranquil waters and the melodious chirping of the birds around me left me feeling calm and peaceful.
❤️💛💚💜💙
Live your life by a compass, not by a clock.
– ERICA JONG
The Weka
When I stopped by the parking lot area to get some snacks, I had a fun visit from some Weka birds. They are like the Kiwi’s cousins. Just a heads up, though, these little guys are known for being sneaky snack stealers, so make sure you keep your bags and containers closed up tight
The Sunset
The breathtaking sunset that day was a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is still beauty and magic to be found in the world around us.
Is It Worth Kohaihai Nikau Walk in Karamea?
I had an amazing day spending time at the Kohaihai River and taking the short loop Nikau Palms walk. Being surrounded by nature and seeing the beautiful New Zealand wildlife was so relaxing. Exploring the Karamea area was great, and I highly recommend visiting the stunning Kohaihai campsite, exploring the trails, and watching the sunset. This was definitely one of my all-time favorite places on the West Coast! I wish you happy travels and hope you enjoy your walks in Karamea!