Heaphy Track - Great Walk

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Waterfall

The Heaphy Track is a renowned multi-day hiking trail located in the Kahurangi National Park of New Zealand. Spanning 78 kilometers, it offers diversity as it traverses through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, expansive tussock-covered plateaus, and rugged coastal areas. The track begins near the Golden Bay and winds its way through pristine wilderness, providing opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna along the way. Runners can admire rivers, waterfalls, and panoramic views. With well-maintained huts and campsites along the route, the Heaphy Track offers a memorable adventure.

Maximum group size six. Hut bookings required in advance through doc.govt.nz/heaphytrack

Starting Point: The trail begins at the Kohaihai River mouth near Karamea, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Day 1: Runners follow the coastal path, offering views of the Tasman Sea and cliffs. The day's endpoint is the Heaphy Hut, approximately 18 kilometers from the starting point.

Day 2: The track goes inland, crossing the swing bridge over the Heaphy River. The trail showcases the West Coast landscapes. The day ends at the Saxon Hut, around 17 kilometers from the Heaphy Hut.

Day 3: Runners pass through varied terrain, including tussock-covered plateaus and beech forests. The day's destination is the Perry Saddle Hut, approximately 20 kilometers from the Saxon Hut.

Day 4: The trail descends alongside the Aorere River through lush forests. Runners can enjoy the river and surrounding landscapes. The final day concludes near Collingwood, around 17 kilometers from the Perry Saddle Hut.

Finishing Point: The Heaphy Track officially ends near Collingwood in Golden Bay. Runners can make arrangements for transportation back to Karamea or other nearby towns.

Tree include Beech trees (Silver beech, red beech, and mountain beech), Totara trees, Rimu trees, Kamahi trees, Nikau palms, Tree ferns (Ponga), Tussock grasslands

Some birds include New Zealand robins, Fantails (Piwakawaka), Tui birds, Bellbirds (Korimako), Kea (a mountain parrot), Weka (flightless bird), Kaka (forest parrot), Whio (Blue duck), Morepork (Ruru)

The Heaphy Track has been used for centuries by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand as a traditional walking route. They utilized the track for trade, gathering resources, and accessing different regions of the country.

In the early 19th century, European explorers and settlers began to explore the area. Charles Heaphy, an early European explorer, surveyed and mapped the track in 1846. The track was named after him to honor his contributions.

During the gold rush in the late 19th century, the Heaphy Track served as a popular route for gold prospectors seeking their fortunes in the rugged West Coast region.