Heaphy Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Heaphy Track traverses the diverse landscapes of Kahurangi National Park, from lush coastal forests and tussock-covered downs to the wild West Coast beaches. This 78.4 km (48.7 mi) tramping route offers a genuine wilderness experience, with well-maintained huts and a sense of remoteness that feels a world away from everyday life.

Highlights & What to See

• Diverse Ecosystems: Walk through beech forests, across alpine tussock, and along nikau palm-fringed coastlines – all in one trip.
• Coastal Section: The final stretch from Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai Blowhole is a stunning coastal walk with dramatic sea cliffs, blowholes, and seal colonies.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot weka, kaka, and the rare blue duck along the river sections; look for fur seals and penguins on the coast.
• Historic Huts: Stay in well-equipped Department of Conservation huts, each with a unique character, like the historic Perry Saddle Hut.
• Gouland Downs: A surreal, open landscape of limestone karst, sinkholes, and tarns – a highlight for photographers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most trampers take 4–5 days to complete the track from Brown Hut (near Karamea) to Kohaihai (or vice versa). The track is one-way, so you'll need to arrange transport at either end. If you're short on time, consider a day walk from the Kohaihai end to Scotts Beach or a hut-to-hut overnight trip. Book huts and transport well in advance during peak season (October–April).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Karamea: The northern gateway to the Heaphy, with the Oparara Basin’s limestone arches and caves.
• Golden Bay: A scenic drive from Nelson, with Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupū Springs, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
• Nelson Lakes National Park: A great spot for shorter walks, kayaking, and mountain biking before or after your tramp.
• West Coast Glaciers: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are a 4-hour drive south, offering heli-hikes and glacier valley walks.

Please check official sources for current details.