Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transport
Shuttle bus, plane
Summary
The Heaphy Track is a historic and beautiful crossing from Golden Bay to the
wild West Coast, offering one of the widest ranges of scenery seen on any of NZ's tramps.
It's one of the most popular tracks in the country. A Great Walk in every sense, it traverses
diverse terrain - dense native forest, the mystical Gouland Downs, secluded river valleys,
and beaches dusted in salt spray and fringed by nikau palms.
Although quite long, the Heaphy is well cut and benched, making it easier than any other
extended tramp found in Kahurangi National Park. That said, it may still be found arduous,
particularly in unfavourable weather.
By walking from east to west - as the tramp is described here - most of the climbing is
done on the first day, and the scenic beach walk is saved for the end, a fitting and energising
grand finale.
A strong tramper could walk the Heaphy in three days, but most people choose to take
four or five.
Recently, as part of a trial, the track has been opened to mountain bikers from May to
September. Factoring in distance, remoteness and the possibility of bad weather, this epic
journey is only suited to well-equipped cyclists with advanced riding skills. It takes most
cyclists three days to complete it, although you can get a taster by zipping in from the West
Coast for a day ride or spending a night at Heaphy Hut (32 bunks) and then heading back
out the next day. You can hire bikes in Takaka and Westport.
8
Planning
WHAT TO BRING
