Westport to Karamea

** "Great views of rolling breakers sweeping in from the Tasman Sea."**

Ninety Nine km one way SH67 The drive is easy as far as the Mokihinui River. From there it climbs uphill over the Karamea Bluff on a very winding road requiring the driver’s total concentration. For much of the time, as the road follows the coast, there are great views of rolling breakers sweeping in from the Tasman Sea. You pass through the historical townships of Waimangaroa, Granity, Ngakawau and Little Wanganui with their quaint, multi-coloured houses in various states of repair. Up in the hills - and worth taking time to visit - are the remains of the coal towns of Denniston, Millerton and Stockton. It’s hard to imagine as you drive along the highway that 1500 people once lived up in the hills on the Denniston plateau. At Ngakawau, look out for the aerial cableway bringing coal from the Stockton Mine. Here, too, you can do all or part of the Charming Creek Walkway - one of the best scenic and historical short walks in the South Island. A few minutes further on, you reach the beautiful Mokihinui River. Turn right, just before the bridge, onto the road to Seddonville. Half a kilometre along the road is the start of the lovely, easy Chasm Creek Walk, which takes only 20 minutes As you wind over the Karamea Bluff, it’s worth stopping at the sign to look at a particularly fine matai tree.