Explore The Amethyst Rimu Walk near Paramata Lodge
Just a short 10-kilometer drive from Paramata Lodge, a new trail has opened up near Harihari: The Amethyst Rimu Walk. This 60-minute walk, developed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, guides you through a landscape steeped in native forest, history, and conservation. It’s an experience that is at once humbling and beautiful, offering glimpses of the towering giants that have quietly flourished here for centuries.
Meet the Rimu Giants
At the heart of The Amethyst Rimu Walk, two magnificent Rimu trees await – Te Manawanui and Mahanga a Tane. These native giants are awe-inspiring for their sheer size and beauty. Of all the giant trees found and measured, Te Manawanui is the largest Rimu in the South Island and the third-largest Rimu tree in New Zealand, an astonishing example of nature’s patience and resilience. Rimu trees, with their dark, flaky bark and dark red heartwood, grow incredibly slowly, reaching up to 60 meters (197 feet) in height and living as long as 1,000 years. In a landscape once heavily logged, encountering these ancient trees feels like stepping back in time. Their wood, known for its durability and rich color, was once prized for construction, making these remaining specimens a rarity.
The walk is as accessible as it is rewarding. With an easy, dry path and a gentle uphill slope, it’s perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages. The journey winds along the road from the Amethyst Hydro Plant by the carpark up to the penstock where the intake of water comes through the hill. The sounds echo down the valley—a playful reminder of nature’s power at work. This is a small local power plant providing electricity to the HariHari community.
Kathy with Te Manawanui
A Valley of Old and New
The entire valley is blanketed in lush native forest, with towering Rimu interspersed among younger trees and other local flora. It’s a place where ancient trees stand alongside new growth, a living testament to New Zealand’s commitment to conservation and reforestation. The view over Harihari from the end of the trail is a highlight in itself, giving you a sense of the vast, wild landscape that defines this region.
Exploring the Amethyst Rimu Walk
Discover More with Kathy’s Local Insight
For guests staying at Paramata Lodge, there is a layer of depth while exploring places like The Amethyst Rimu Walk, The Willberg Walk and The Ross Walkway. Kathy, your host, has spent years contributing to conservation, especially along the West Coast, and she has a wealth of knowledge about local plant and animal life. Her enthusiasm for sharing this knowledge is one of the true highlights of a stay at Paramata Lodge. Guests often find that Kathy’s recommendations and insights elevate their experience, whether it’s where to spot native birds, discover hidden trails, or understand more about the flora and fauna around the lodge.
Return to Comfort and Tranquility
After a day’s adventure, there’s nothing like returning to the comforts of Paramata Lodge. Sink into a bathtub with views of the expansive wetlands, or savor a glass of wine on the deck while watching the sun dip behind the ancient forest. The lodge offers a blend of luxury and immersion in nature that’s hard to find anywhere else.
This summer, take time to explore the forests, rivers, and rugged beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. And if you’d like to add a touch of comfort and expert guidance to your journey, consider booking a stay at Paramata Lodge—a true gateway to the wonders of this region.
