Nikau Walk
Kahurangi National Park
Nikau Walk is a short walk beginning at the Kōhaihai (West Coast) end of the Heaphy Track. The walk passes through what is reputedly the largest stand of nikau palms in the South Island.
| Details | |
| Length | 1.7 km return to Kōhaihai car park |
| Time Required | 30 min |
| Trail Type | Walking track |
| Physical Difficulty | Easy |
| Uses | Walking and trail running |
20 min from Karamea
Kōhaihai is the West Coast gateway to the Heaphy Track. To get to Kōhaihai from Karamea, continue north along Kōhaihai Rd, following the road signs.
At Kōhaihai, located at the Kōhaihai River mouth, you will find the Heaphy Track car park, along with a DOC campsite, where there are flush toilets, drinking water and barbecues. Information panels detail the history of the track and area, as well as times and distances, and any warnings in place.
From the car park, the Heaphy Track follows alongside the Kōhaihai River for a short distance before crossing it via suspension bridge, a short distance upstream of the mouth. Immediately on the other side, you will enter what is reputedly the South Island’s largest stand of nikau palms. This is where Nikau Walk branches off. The easy, flat walking track heads through dense nikau, kiekie and ferns, with northern rata and rimu also featuring in the canopy. The other end of the loop links back with Heaphy Track. Turn here to head back to Kōhaihai car park.
