Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Also near the hut is the Heaphy River Campsite and a shelter in a grassy clearing. This is
the best campsite along the track, and the sandflies seem to agree.
FAREWELL SPIT
Bleak, exposed and slightly sci-fi, Farewell Spit is a wetland of international import-
ance and a renowned bird sanctuary - the summer home of thousands of migratory
waders, notably the bar-tailed godwit (which flies more than 12,000km to get there),
Caspian terns and Australasian gannets. The spit is 35km long, and still growing, and
features colossal, crescent-shaped dunes, from where panoramic views extend across
Golden Bay and a vast low-tide salt marsh. Walkers can explore the first 4km of the
spit via a network of tracks, but beyond that point access is via tour only.
The knowledgeable and affable folk at Farewell Spit Eco Tours ( 03-524 8257, 0800
808 257; www.farewellspit.com; Tasman St, Collingwood; tours $120-155) run trips ranging from two
to 6½ hours, taking in the spit, lighthouse, gannets and godwits. Tours depart from
Collingwood.
Day 5: Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai Camping Ground
5 HOURS, 16KM
Unquestionably one of the most beautiful sections of track on the South Island, the final
segment of the Heaphy Track meanders along the coast, sticking close to the pounding Tas-
man Sea. The track stays in the bush much of the way, but in many places well-worn paths
show where trampers have decided to forgo the track and hike along the beach. Big seas and
high tides have eroded short sections of the coastal track, and these are now marked with
warning signs indicating that waves could break dangerously over the track. If in doubt,
wait it out. Tide times are posted at Heaphy Hut (and also at Kohaihai Shelter).
The track departs from Heaphy Hut and, for the first time, heads south. It wends through
a grove of nikau palms, occasionally alongside wetlands bordered by a forested bluff.
Within 1km you cross a bridge over Cold Creek and then break out to a view of Heaphy
Beach. For the next hour you remain close to the shore, often in view of it. You cross
Wekakura Creek on a swing bridge and then arrive at Twenty Minute Beach , where you
have the opportunity to bypass the track and walk along the sand.
Orange markers lead you back onto the track and follow Nettle Beach , with the track
staying well above the shoreline. At this point you head inland, into a grove of palms. Cross
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