The Famous Heaphy Track

 

 

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1
We drive 30 km up the Aorere Valley from Collingwood, with human habitation getting sparser all the time. The road stops at Browns Hut, the first hut of the track, but we don't stop here. Our first night is at Perry Saddle Hut (26 bunks), a full 5 hours walk and 700m higher. The wide graded track climbs up through the bush, giving views of Mt. Olympus and the thick bush of the Aorere Valley, and on a fine day it is possible to see Mt. Taranaki in the distance.

Day 2
An easier day, with only 4 hours walking. The track goes through patches of beech forest before the wide expanse of the tussock covered Gouland Downs comes into view. The track meanders down to Cave Brook, passing the famous 'boot pole' on which trampers over the years have tied their old boots. Then we come to a limestone outcrop, with caves and waterfalls. We visit the oldest hut on the track, the Gouland Downs Hut, then continue on the flatter part of the Downs to Saxon Hut (16 bunks).

Day 3
The longest day of the walk, made up of a morning 3- 4 hour walk to McKay Hut and another in the afternoon. The track crosses the Saxon River flats, then onto the broad ridge between the McKay and Gouland Downs, passing an old pole marking the boundary between the Nelson and West Coast provinces. The vegetation varies between tussock and shrub fringed beech forests, and we get views of the ocean in the distance. We have a leisurely lunch at McKay Hut and then begin the long gentle descent (downhill all the way), with the temperature getting warmer as we descend down towards the coast. The bush is ever changing from the alpine scrub to taller and taller trees and the welcoming sight of the tree ferns and lowland forest. We stay the night at the Lewis Hut (20 bunks) at the junction of the Heaphy and Lewis rivers with a good opportunity for a swim.

Day 4
The easiest of the days, a leisurely walk along the river flats of the Heaphy River, with its luxuriant rainforest of kowhai, cabbage trees, and nikau and a visit to one of New Zealand’s biggest rata trees. In the afternoon there is the option of a swim in the lagoon, walk along the beach, or an off track visit to the very special Field’s Cave. We stay at the Heaphy Hut for the night (30 bunks).

Day 5
The final day is a 5 hour walk along the magical West Coast, with high cliffs, pounding seas, nikau and karaka tree forests and wild scenery. The track is mainly alongside the beach, and beach walking is possible for those who enjoy it. However, there is no swimming in this sea as it is just too dangerous! The distinctive cone of Kohaihai Hill may be seen in the distance, our destination for the day, where there is a small steep climb over a saddle to remind us that this the Heaphy Track we have just walked!

At Kohaihai our vehicle is waiting for the short drive into Karamea, where we stay the night at The Last Resort - a very special place, where our quality shared lodge accommodation has been booked.

 

What makes our Heaphy Walk so special?

We provide pick up and delivery from Nelson.

Our meal menu is varied and prepared with fresh food.

We take a digital camera with us, and at the end of the walk everyone receives a CD made up of our best Heaphy shots and the photos we have taken of the trip.

Everone receives a copy of the booklet “Heaphy People” the history of the Heaphy Track, as a souvenir.

Everyone receives a ‘Certificate of Completion’ to show off to your friends.

We stay an extra night at the famous ecolodge in Karamea, the popular Last Resort. A chance to have a good hot shower, relax, debrief, and refresh before the trip back to Nelson the following day. (Accommodation is included on a twin share basis).

We always drive back to Nelson through Westport and the scenic Buller Gorge, and describe the interesting scenery on the way (including Denniston, the scene of the book Denniston Rose).

We offer extras, like staying an extra day in Golden Bay to visit Farewell Spit, or an extra day in Karamea to visit the spectacular Oparara Arches.

 

'Satisfaction' is a definite understatement for everything involved with the trip - your and Pam's organisation, the food, the guiding, your choice of personnel. Thank you for a wonderful 5 days which have recharged my batteries. -- Judy O'Sullivan. Rotorua, New Zealand.

Grade Medium

Price $1500 per person

Price includes

• All DOC fees
• We supply all the food and cook the meals.
• Transport as above
• One night lodge style accommodation in Karamea

Notes

• The Department of Conservation has introduced a booking system to guarantee a bed in huts. If the huts are full we can then camp. We will supply the tents and carry them.

Options

• Stay an extra day in Karamea, visit the Spectacular Oparara area with its famous arches and other natural wonders. $300 per person including accommodation. You may wish to leave us here and continue your holiday down the spectacular West Coast.

• Stay an extra day in Golden Bay, visit the world famous Waikoropupu Springs and Wharariki Beach.

• Take a bus trip along Farewell Spit (takes all day).

• The Heaphy Track Made Easy - To make your Heaphy holiday experience simple, we offer the following:

Day 1: We pick you up from Nelson airport, you stay a night in Golden Bay (not included).
Day 2: We begin the Heaphy Track.
Days 3-5: Walking the track.
Day 6: We complete the track and are picked up and delivered to our accommodation at the Last Resort.
Day 7: We deliver you back to Nelson airport in time for an afternoon flight to wherever you wish.

 

To help you plan your trip, we offer the following list of what to pack

You need to supply a pack, sleeping bag and boots though we can provide some equipment if you require. The weather can change quickly on this track so you must be prepared for adverse conditions. It is a good idea to make your pack as light as possible for your own comfort.

• 1 Pack of suitable size (minimum 50lLtrs)
• 1 Plastic inner liner
• 1 Good quality sleeping bag in a plastic bag
• 1 or 2 walking poles
• 1 Good quality weatherproof jacket
• 1 Pair of tramping boots (lightweight recommended)

Heaphy Track was the most wonderful experience for me. I had the best walking, I had the best food, and most important of all, I had the best company. Thanks to you I did not feel like a client, I had the feeling I was walking with a friend, which made all the difference to me. -- Eva Zagorc, Darwin, Australia

• 1 Pair of lightweight sandals for evenings
• 1 Pair trousers or sweat pants for evenings
• Spare underwear
• 1 Hiking shorts (non denim)
• Spare shirts
• 1 Woollen jersey or polarfleece
• 1 Polypropylene longs for winter (or sandflies)
• 1 Polypropylene vest
• 1 Pair gloves
• Spare woollen socks
• 1 Warm hat in winter
• 1 Cool hat in summer
• 1 Toilet gear and towel
• 1 Sun block
• 1 Sandfly lotion
• 1 One litre drink bottle
• Personal nibbles
• 1 Camera
• Ear Plugs

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