Ōpārara Arch, Natural limestone arch in Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand.
The Oparara Arch extends for 219 meters in length, reaches 43 meters in height, and spans up to 79 meters in width over the Oparara River.
Early mapmakers marked the limestone formations on Karamea maps in the 1880s, leading to later explorations by goldminers and deerstalkers in the region.
The Department of Conservation maintains the arch as part of New Zealand's natural heritage, preserving its status as the largest natural arch in the Southern Hemisphere.
Visitors can reach the arch via a 30-minute walking track that includes wooden steps leading to an elevated viewpoint inside the formation.
The arch's ceiling contains numerous stalactites while the river below maintains a distinct brown color due to natural tannins from the surrounding forest.
Location: Buller District
GPS coordinates: -41.15111,172.19083
Latest update: April 19, 2025 12:57
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