Heaphy Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Heaphy Track cuts a 78.4 km swath through the wild, untamed landscapes of Kahurangi National Park. This multi-day tramp takes you from the beech forests of the West Coast's interior to the rugged, windswept coastline of the Tasman Sea, passing through vast tussock-covered downs, nikau palm groves, and lush subtropical rainforest. It's a journey through extremes—from mountain passes to sea-level beaches—and a true test of endurance for hikers and mountain bikers alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Perry Saddle Hut – A classic backcountry hut perched high on the saddle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Gouland Downs – A surreal, expansive limestone plateau dotted with sinkholes and strange rock formations, often bathed in golden light.
• Mackay Downs & Saxon Hut – Remote and serene, this section crosses open tussock lands with distant mountain vistas.
• Heaphy River Mouth – The track's dramatic finale, where the river meets the Tasman Sea. Look for seals lounging on the sand and, if you're lucky, penguins.
• Nikau Palm Forest – Near the coast, the track winds through a dense grove of these iconic palms, a surprising subtropical touch in this temperate wilderness.
• Coastal Section – The final stretch along the Heaphy Beach and beyond is a stunning walk on golden sands with crashing waves and dramatic sea stacks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers take 4 to 5 days to complete the full track, staying in Department of Conservation huts or campsites along the way. A common pacing is to start from the Kohaihai end (West Coast) and walk towards the Brown River end (Nelson Tasman region), allowing the scenery to build from coastal to alpine. Mountain bikers can tackle the track in 1 to 2 days, but note that the route is one-way and requires careful planning for transport.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kahurangi National Park – Explore other tracks like the Wangapeka or the Cobb Valley for more wilderness adventures.
• Karamea – The quirky settlement at the West Coast end of the track, with its famous Oparara Basin Arches and limestone caves.
• Paparoa National Park – Home to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and the Paparoa Track, another Great Walk.
• West Coast Glaciers (Franz Josef & Fox) – While a bit of a drive, these iconic glaciers are a must-see for any West Coast itinerary.
• Nelson Lakes National Park – If you finish the track from the Nelson side, this park offers beautiful alpine lakes and shorter walks.

Please check official sources for current details.