The popular Heaphy Track, a renowned hiking trail linking Tasman to the West Coast, is set to reopen after being closed for over a year due to a storm in February 2022.
This comes as great news for the residents of Karamea, a remote town located 1.5 hours from Westport, who are preparing to celebrate the event.
The closure had a significant impact on the region, as highlighted by Heath Milne of Development West Coast: "It certainly had a big impact on numbers coming into the area. It went from several thousand to the hundreds really."
Moreover, Milne encouraged visitors to extend their stay in Karamea, a town nestled between mountains and sea, to fully appreciate the region: "A Heaphy Track experience is not complete without stopping for at least one night in Karamea. Here’s your chance to discover something new, wild, remote, and authentic. You’ll be surprised at the places you can explore from this tiny town."
The economic repercussions of the track's closure were felt acutely by local businesses. Maggie Seeman, who owns The Last Resort accommodation, reported a dramatic decrease in bookings: "It was huge. We lost probably 60 or 70% of our bookings." Despite the setback, Seeman remained optimistic about the reopening, even suggesting a celebration: "Oh well we'll probably have a party!"
Similarly, Philip Higgs, owner of Karamea Motors/Express, which facilitates transportation to and from the Heaphy Track, observed a complete halt in business following the closure: "Well when the track went out in February, what eighteen months ago, it just died completely."
The storm damaged parts of the Heaphy's coastal track and a significant bridge across the Heaphy River. Mark Davies of the Department of Conservation explained the decision to make the track more resilient rather than opting for a quick fix: "We could have built another bridge in the same location relatively quickly but that was not a good investment and would have been more than likely lost in the next severe storm. So we've gone down the valley, and gone up the hill and built one bridge. And built a new section of track up and built another bridge."
As the reopening on Labour Weekend approaches, locals are enthusiastic about showcasing all that Karamea has to offer. Vanessa Kingan of Helicopter Charter Karamea urged visitors to explore the area: "There's heaps of great swimming holes around here, lots of great family friendly wee walks. The bird life is amazing."
Adding to the appeal of the region, Philip Higgs noted the welcoming nature of the West Coast community: "Not many places you can go down the local pub and just people will talk to ya, because that's what we do."
Other news
Development West Coast releases 2023 Annual Report
DWC has released its Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2023, highlighting a year of economic challenges, strategic investments and significant support for the West Coast business community.
Learn more
West Coast leads the way in New Zealand for housing affordability
We've heard a lot about Kiwi's moving to Australia to escape the high cost of living, but according to the latest data they could be heading in the wrong direction.
Learn more
Boost your business with a mentor
In business, making well-informed decisions and overcoming challenges are vital to success. DWC aims to make this journey smoother by introducing small business owners to mentors through Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ).
Learn more
Tourism revival boosts West Coast economy
Economic activity on the West Coast grew by 3.1% over the year to June 2023, according to economic consultancy Infometrics latest provisional estimates.
Learn more
Rare penguins swim 2,000km to return to the West Coast
Making a 2,000-kilometre swim from their Sub-Antarctic Convergence summer feeding grounds, the Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguins) have once again reached the coastal rainforests of Lake Moeraki on the West Coast for their annual breeding season.
Learn more
West Coast Gold Rush: Father-Son Duo Strikes Internet Gold
On the West Coast’s untamed natural wilderness, a father and son gold prospecting team are striking it rich, not just in gold but also in internet fame.
Learn more
Pedal Power: West Coast Capitalises on Cycle Tourism
Cyclists have been injecting significant funds into the New Zealand economy, with 2.19 million cycle trail users contributing $950 million to regional economies and gaining $11 million worth of health benefits in 2021, according to two Government reports. This has led to a surge in local businesses keen to tap into the trend, including on the West Coast.
Learn more
Couple who moved to West Coast say they haven't looked back
Nearly two years ago, Eliza Hood and her family left Gisborne for the charming coastal town of Greymouth. They didn't just find a new home, but also a welcoming community and a surprising economic trend that contrasts with the rest of New Zealand.
Learn more
Gold Struck at Snowy River Mine
Gold has just been struck at New Zealand's deepest mine and the operators believe it could be worth $2.1 billion.
Learn more
Protecting the Kōtuku: West Coast business’s winter war against predators
During the quiet winter months, Whataroa on the West Coast transforms into a front line against invasive pests.
Learn more
Melbourne beer writer turns Westport craft brewer
Just over a year into its operation, Shortjaw Brewing in Westport is making waves in the craft beer scene, with an emphasis on local ingredients, sustainable practices, and community involvement.
Learn more
From Paddling Kayaks to Protecting Kiwis
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours’ environmental journey.
Learn more
Small Town, Big Taste: Blackball’s Latest Culinary Gem
Blackball, a historic small town on the West Coast, has been earning a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional artisanal food scene. With the recent introduction of Blackball Black Garlic, this reputation is only being reinforced.
Learn more
Wellington business owner moves company - and all his staff - to West Coast
When Greg McDonald told his staff he wanted to switch Wellington for the West Coast he was surprised by their response.
Learn more
Cranberry farming business that grew from an international love story up for sale
An Irish artist and a Kiwi farmer who created New Zealand’s only commercial cranberry farm are putting their business up for sale.
Learn more