Kahurangi NP New Zealand

Feb 10

Kahurangi National Park in the northwest of the South Island of New Zealand is the second largest of the thirteen national parks of New Zealand. It was gazetted in 1996 and covers 4,529 square kilometres (1,749 sq mi), ranging to near Golden Bay in the north. Much of what was the North-west Nelson Forest Park formed the basis of the new park. Kahurangi Point, regarded as the boundary between the West Coast and Tasman Regions, is located in the park, as are the Heaphy Track and Mount Owen.

The park is administered by the Department of Conservation. Tramping, rafting, mountain biking and caving are popular activities in the park.

Cliff Paths

The hiking trails provide some amazing views as you meander thru the cliffs. They seem to go off in a million directions and go on forever providing you with the ocean overlooks if you lift your head up and unique vegetation if you look around the path.

Park Animals

The park hosts a large variety of animals and plants unique to this geographical location.

Weka (Māori hen)-

Is a chicken-sized flightless bird that shows no fear and is lighting fast. They have powerful legs and beaks that can break open coconuts. Did I mention they are fast? They are also not a kiwi but are often mistaken as such.

Wildlife Dangers / Safety Threats-

As I was walking around the bend out jumped this interesting fella. I heard some rustling from the other side of the trail. They had different angles on me but both were eying me down and quickly becoming violent. This was clearly a shakedown and as an innocent tourist I was an easy mark. They were making aggressive noises and in midst of the confusion I regrouped and grabbed what was left of my bag of Cheezuls. They each took several and vanished into the underbrush, Woah, this was a close call……and a reminder that you must remain alert at all times.