The Heaphy track is touted as one of the most diverse hikes in New Zealand. Starting in the mountainous Kahurangi National park and finishing along a the wild but beautiful West Coast of New Zealand the walk is an 80km journey with something for everyone
Time to complete
4-5 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
One way (Shuttles required)
Distance
80km
Difficulty
Easy-Medium
Bookings required
Yes, Great Walk
A plethora of huts and campsites to choose from
Pristine untouched west coast beaches
See the native Nikau Palms lining the beaches
Spend the night at 900m+ elevation with an alpine peaks to climb nearby
Walk across New Zealand’s longest suspension bridge built by DOC
Wander through the enchanted forest
Many native wildlife sighting opportunities
The trail is part of the New Zealand Great Walk initiative by the Department of conservation. These walks are selected based on many criteria such as biodiversity, cultural significance and length. This one in particular is a dual use track where mountain bikes are allowed out of the main great walk season. What this means is the gradients along the track are at most moderate and there aren’t any stairs to be found. The walk begins in the north-easy of the National Park eventually making its way over to the beaches along the West Coast where a microclimate allows a temperate rainforest to flourish. Along the way the scenery seems to be in a constant state of change.
The first day is spent mostly under the cover of forest before emerging to the Perry Saddle where tussock grasses line the valley and towering peaks are seen in most directions. Climbing the nearby Mt Perry accentuates the vastness of the surrounding mountains and is highly recommended. The second day is spent traversing the highlands with tussock grass allowing expansive views over the surrounding landscapes and periodic stints through forests along the way. The third day is a moderate descent back down to sea level through impressive old growth temperate coastal forests finishing at the Heaphy River mouth and the last day is spent walking along the coastline alongside countless pristine white sand beaches.
Track condition
-Well taken care of great walk quality trails the entire hike with easy to moderate gradients throughout
Optionals
-Close to Perry Saddle Hut is Mt Perry which can be climbed for an impressive sunset/sunrise. Mt Taranaki can be seen on a clear day
-The Enchanted forest contains various limestone caves that can be explored
-Nearby James Mackay Hut is a peak that can be climbed for panoramic views over the surrounding area
-There is a glow worm cave between James Mackay Hut and Heaphy Hut
The track is a one way track and so track transport needs to be arranged to and from the trail in advance. There are many shuttle options to navigate .operating on various different days of the week and so you must find an option that suits your trip.
Trail start location: Brown Hut Carpark
Trail finish location: Kohaihai Campsite
-Huts:
There is a combination of modern great walk huts and older backcountry huts along the trail. They are generally all well equipped great walk quality huts however not all the older ones have gas and burners to use if you plan on using them.
Avoiding the main huts is a good option for those who want to avoid the crowds.
-Camping:
Camping spots are generally located close to the huts.
-Booking:
Bookings required at all locations.
-Back-country hut pass:
Cannot be used.
The exposed nature of the tops mean that good rain gear and warm layers should be taken as a precaution even with good weather forecasted. Given the elevation a reasonably warm sleeping bag will be needed too, depending on the season.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible however care must be taken if there has been recent snowfall
Department of conservation website | Kahurangi National Park Weather
17.5km | 5 Hours
5hr
The track starts at Brown Hut Carpark and consists of an easy-moderate grade under tree cover most of the way to Perry Saddle hut. It was previously surveyed to be a road hence the consistent gradient encountered. A shelter is met about 3 hours into the journey which is a good place for a break before continuing.
Optional
-There is a 10 minute viewpoint side trip just before reaching the hut.
-Mt Perry (~1248m) can be climbed either for sunset or sunrise. It’s quite an easy climb if you leave your pack at the hut and can be done in around 1-1.5hrs return. I highly recommend this and even going halfway up is worth it.
24.5km | 6-7 Hours
3-3.5hr
The day starts heading towards Saxon Hut. The trails are mainly on the open highlands with tussock grass and the odd patch of forest. After Gouland Downs Hut the Enchanted Forest is a small section of forest which people liken to a fairytale or lord of the rings. See below for a side trip to caves.
3-3.5hr
From Saxon hut towards James Mackay Hut it’s much the same. There is a small uphill section and some more time under tree cover before flattening out before the hut.
Optional
-There are several paths before, after and half way into the enchanted forest that lead to caves. The first path leading to the largest cave which used to be used as a shelter. Take care not to leave the track as there are sinkholes throughout this section.
20.5km | 5-6 Hours
3-3.5hr
The track between James Mackay and Lewis hut is mostly an easy gradient downhill and very pleasant under the canopy of a lush rainforest. Watch out for Kiwi along the way and if you’re leaving early you might be lucky to see one. Lewis Hut is a fantastic spot to rest at for lunch being right on the bank of a small river.
2-2.5hr
The track between Lewis Hut and Heaphy Hut flattens out. The Heaphy River suspension bridge is crossed (Longest built by DOC) and along the way to Heaphy Hut you’ll come across gigantic Rata Trees and other old growth trees around the rocky limestone cliffs and fallen boulders. This forest is truly spectacular and unlike anything else seen previously on the hike.
Optionals -
-The beach nearby the hut can be walked along (avoid high tide).
-About 15mins before the hut there is a bridge with a small cave to the left. If there hasn’t been lots of rain this can be explored safely with an impressive amount of glow worms at the end. Ask the hut ranger for details.
16.5km | 4-5 Hours
4-5hr
The track on the final day follows the coastline towards Kohaihai Shelter. The entire track here is a high tide track so no special planning is required however it’s a good idea to budget in some extra time to check out the beaches along the way. It’s only 3-3.5 hours of actual walking.
Brown Hut
Aorere shelter
Perry Saddle Hut
En-route to Mt Perry
Saxon Hut
The forests are so green and lush most of the time
James Mackay Hut
Campsite at James Mackay Hut
A diverse landscape with pristine alpine lakes and several mountain passes to navigate
Welcome Flat Hut
A stunning hut nearby some of Aotearoa’s most impressive natural hot pools
