Abel Tasman, Kahurangi & Nelson Lakes - Hiking and Tramping in New Zealand - page 345

Note that not all huts have gas rings, so check when you make your booking. Pack plenty of
insect repellent as without it you'll be toast at the coast.
MAPS & BROCHURES
This tramp is covered by NZTopo50 maps BP23 (Gouland Downs) and BP22 (Heaphy
Beach). It is also covered by NewTopo map Heaphy Track 1:55 000. DOC's Heaphy Track
brochure may also prove helpful.
HUTS & CAMPING
Seven designated Great Walk huts ($32) lie along the Heaphy Track - Brown, Perry Saddle,
Gouland Downs, Saxon, James Mackay, Lewis and Heaphy. These have bunks and a kitchen
area, heating, flush toilets and washbasins with cold water. Most but not all have gas rings; a
couple have lighting. There are also nine Great Walk campsites ( www.doc.govt.nz; $14) along
the route. The two day shelters are just that; overnight stays are not permitted.
As the Heaphy is a Great Walk, all huts and campsites must be booked in advance year-
round. Bookings can be made online through Great Walks Bookings ( 0800 694 732;
www.greatwalks.co.nz ) or at any DOC visitor centre. DOC hut tickets and annual passes cannot
be used on the track, and there is a two-night limit on staying in huts or campsites.
At the West Coast end of the track is the beachside Kohaihai Campsite ( www.doc.govt.nz;
$6) , 15km north of Karamea.
8 Getting to/from the Tramp
The two road ends of the Heaphy Track are an almost unfathomable distance apart: 463km
to be precise. By far the best way to close the loop is to fly back from Karamea by aeroplane
or helicopter - the time saving and scenery go some considerable way to justifying the cost.
Aeroplane flights are run by Adventure Flights Golden Bay ( 03-525 6167, 0800 150 338;
www.adventureflightsgoldenbay.co.nz; Takaka Airfield; $185 per person for 3-5 people, $200 per person
up to 2 people) . The same company offers flights from Takaka to Brown Hut for $50 per per-
son (minimum two people), saving an hour-long shuttle ride. Golden Bay Air ( 0800 588
885; www.goldenbayair.co.nz; $189 per person for 2-3 people, $169 per person for 4-5 people) plies the
same route and offers the additional services of shuttles from Takaka Airfield to Brown Hut
($65 per person for two people, $45 per person for more than three people) and car reloca-
tions back to the airfield from Brown Hut ($60). Helicopter Charter Karamea ( 03-782
6111; www.karameahelicharter.co.nz ) can carry up to three people for $750.