Walk the 82km Heaphy Track with our sister company, Southern Wilderness New Zealand, and experience a track of stunning beauty and diversity. From the expansive rolling tussock lands of the Gouland Downs to the almost tropical northwest Nelson coastline, this is truly spectacular. We stay each night in Department of Conservation huts with the exception of the last night, which is spent at the Alpine Lodge in St Arnaud for a taste of well-deserved luxury.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut
(approx. 16km/5 Hours)

Pick up at accommodation in Nelson 7.30am and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track) - briefings etc. The track gradually climbs through podocarp and beech forest to Flanagans Corner (your highest point on the track at 915m). Grand views of Aorere Valley can be seen with Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day. A gentle stroll on to Perry Saddle Hut, which is 880 metres above sea level and has bunk-style accommodation for 26.

Day 2 - Perry Saddle Hut to James Mackay Hut
(approx. 25km/7-8 hours)

After a hearty breakfast, the big day begins by following Perry Creek through tussock clearings and scattered beech forest until the valley widens and the open Gouland Downs can be seen sprawling towards the West Coast. The track passes the famous boot pole and gently undulates across the downs, eventually climbing gradually past Saxon Hut onto the edges of Mackay Downs. From here, there are glimpses of the mouth of the Heaphy River and the Tasman Sea. It is not long before the 26 bunk James Mackay Hut is reached, perched on a bench above the track.

Day 3 - James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut
(approx. 20km/6-7 hours)

The track from Mackay Hut descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and sub-tropical podocarp forest to the Lewis Hut. From here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant rata trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, our accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea.

Day 4 - Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai
(approx. 16km - 5 hours)

Walk from the Heaphy Hut along a coastline studded with Nikau groves to the track's end at the Kohaihai River. Some beach walking is possible at low tide. Our van meets you at the Kohaihai River mouth where we transfer you to the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park area for a finale dinner and accommodation in comfortable ensuite units.

Day 5 - Transfers
Enjoy final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. Arrive Nelson by lunchtime/early afternoon to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation.

For more information, please visit our dedicated website - www.heaphytracknz.com