Heaphy Track

Stretching 78.4 kilometres through the wild heart of Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy Track is New Zealand's most diverse Great Walk. From the lush, ancient podocarp forests of the West Coast to the golden tussock-covered downs of the Nelson-Tasman border, this multi-day tramp delivers a stunning cross-section of the country's landscapes. The track's crowning glory is the Heaphy River mouth, where you'll emerge onto a vast, windswept beach pounded by the Tasman Sea — a truly elemental finish. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a first-time multi-day trekker, the Heaphy offers an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand's most remote and unspoiled regions.

Highlights & What to See

• Kahurangi National Park – New Zealand's second-largest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (as part of Te Wahipounamu), with ancient forests, alpine tarns, and limestone karst landscapes.
• Heaphy River Mouth – The dramatic finish: a sweeping black-sand beach where the river meets the Tasman Sea, often with seals basking on the rocks.
• Gouland Downs – A high, open plateau of tussock and limestone outcrops, offering expansive views and a sense of remote wilderness.
• Perry Saddle Hut – The highest point on the track (1,200 m), with panoramic views of the park and the chance to spot kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot.
• Nikau Palm Forest – Near the Kohaihai River end, a lush subtropical section lined with New Zealand's only native palm, the nikau.
• Historic Swing Bridges – Several suspension bridges over deep river gorges, including the 47-metre-long Heaphy Swing Bridge.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers complete the Heaphy Track in 4–5 days, walking 4–6 hours per day. The track is one-way, so you'll need to arrange transport at either end (Kohaihai or Brown Hut). Many hikers start from the West Coast side at Kohaihai to finish at the more remote Brown Hut, or vice versa. You can also cycle the track (October to April) in 1–2 days — it's one of the few Great Walks open to mountain bikers. Plan for a full day's travel to and from the track ends, plus an extra day for weather delays, as the West Coast is famously wet.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fox Glacier – A 2-hour drive south, this iconic glacier offers guided walks and heli-hikes on the neve.
• Franz Josef Glacier – Just north of Fox, another famous glacier with hot pools and scenic flights.
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – About 3 hours north, these dramatic limestone formations and blowholes are a classic West Coast stop.
• Karamea – The small settlement at the northern end of the Heaphy Track, with the Oparara Basin's limestone arches and caves.
• Nelson Lakes National Park – A 3-hour drive east, offering alpine lakes, beech forests, and the stunning Blue Lake (the clearest in the world).

Please check official sources for current details.