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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Kahurangi National Park is New Zealand's second largest national park and while it includes huge areas of wild, untracked land it is also home to the Heaphy Track. In the Maori language, "Kahurangi" means treasured possession, which is apt for a region where some of the country's oldest rocks, rarest birds and weirdest plants are found. The route of the Heaphy Track is similarly significant, being that followed by local Maori in search of pounamu (or greenstone) - most definitely a treasured possession - on the west coast. You may be lucky enough to spot a takahe (a rare flightless bird), Powelliphanta (a large carnivorous snail) or a great spotted kiwi along the trail. Add to that a diverse landscape of wild rivers, alpine herbfields, high plateau tussock land, remote beaches and coastal forest and you have all the ingredients for a truly spectacular walk. Sleeping in well maintained huts and cooking your own food, this walk requires the carrying of a full pack.
21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(107kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Nelson
Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. You should allow enough time to purchase your lunch and snack supplies for the next four days. Conveniently located supermarkets are usually open until about 8:00pm daily. Your meal pack with breakfasts and dinners for the walk, plus cooking pot and accessories, should be waiting for you at the hotel. It is also worth exploring this city with its colourful main street, historic cathedral, lovely walking and cycling trails, the Centre of New Zealand Lookout (a 20 minute walk with superb panoramic views), vibrant arts and cultural scene, beautiful Tahunanui Beach and a multitude of cafes, restaurants and award-winning breweries showcasing seasonal, regional flavours and artisan produce.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Heaphy Track, walk Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (17.5km, 5 - 6 hrs)
Your transfer to the trailhead this morning will be around 7.30am from the central CBD. The journey takes approximately 3 hrs via the scenic coastal route, with stops along the way including Motueka, Takaka and Collingwood before arriving at Brown Hut, the eastern trailhead. Begin walking with a gradual climb through bushland along an old survey route for a road. The track winds and zig zags its way upwards from 135m above sea level to around 900m at Flanagan Corner. This is about 30 minutes walk from Perry Saddle Hut, tonight's destination, and is worth a stop for a short side trip to the highest point on the trail (915m). Fabulous views await, including a glimpse of Mt Taranaki (Mt Egmont) on the North Island on a clear day. Continue to Perry Saddle Hut nestled on the edge of the treeline and settle in for the night.
Meals: D
Day 3
Walk Perry Saddle Hut to James Mackay Hut (24.2 km, 6.5 - 7 hrs)
Today is the longest day on the trail but with mostly undulating and downhill gradients it flows easily. The vegetation changes back and forth from patches of tussockland to moss-covered beech forest in this high plateau region. Pass by the historic Gouland Downs Hut and keep an eye out for Takahe in the expansive tussock area. These are rare, native flightless birds recently released here as part of a program to re-introduce the species to the wild. Cross numerous bridged streams and pass Saxon Hut on your way to James Mackay Hut where your day ends. The Heaphy River meets the Tasman Sea 750m below in the distance, an inspiring view of tomorrow's destination. NOTE: If you wish to enjoy the track at a more leisurely pace, an extra day can be added to the trip, staying at Saxon Hut tonight and continuing to James Mackay Hut tomorrow (must be booked in advance).
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Walk James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut (20.5km, 6 hrs)
Leaving the alpine plateau region today the track descends about 700m to sea level. Beautiful beech forest gives way to lush forest of kahikatea, rimu and giant ancient rata, with nikau palms becoming more common on the river flats nearer the coast. Once at the Heaphy Beach, conclude your day at the Heaphy Hut, nestled in a stunning location beside the Heaphy River mouth (easily located from the beach). Enjoy a spectacular sunset while the wild west coast ocean pounds the beach but refrain from swimming here as the rips and currents are dangerous. Listen out for the call of the great spotted kiwi around the Heaphy Hut after dark and beware of the cheeky wekas as they have been known to run off with socks and other items.
Day 5
Walk Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai, transfer to Westport (16.2km, 5 hrs)
The track follows the coastline for the final section, with superb views and many places to stop for photos. Pass remote beaches, staying alert for wave surges at high tide in some well-marked places. Walk beneath rata forest and through groves of nikau palms, cross bridges over gurgling streams, round rugged headlands and stop off at Scotts Beach for a break before the last short climb over Kohaihai Bluff. On arrival at the trailhead, where the Kohaihai River empties into the ocean, celebrate your achievement before your shuttle transfer at approximately 1.00 - 1.30pm through to Westport. Overnight in Westport.
Meals: B
Day 6
Depart Westport
Your trip arrangements end this morning. Check out from the motel is 10.00am.
What's included
What's not included
These types of track are regularly maintained and allow for mountain bikers as well as walkers. You should expect to encounter both along the way. Multi-use tracks are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side. Mountain bikes are allowed on the Heaphy Track between 1 May and 30 November only. Outside of this period, walkers should not expect to encounter any bikers.
New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.
Accommodation is on a twinshare basis in modern rooms with kitchenette facilities for self-catering if required. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property is conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks and points of interest. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.
Great Walk Huts are managed and maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC). They do vary slightly for each different Great Walk, and those retaining historical features may have fewer facilities than newer structures. For the Heaphy Track you can expect the huts used on our trips to have bunk beds, mattresses, heating, gas cooktops, sinks, a water supply (cold only) and toilets (either flushing or composting). Bunk rooms are usually offset from a large communal space for cooking, eating and relaxing. The huts do not provide food, bedding, showers, hot water, cooking pots or cooking utensils. You may pass more basic or historical huts along the track, which can be used for shelter in inclement weather, but your permit (included in the trip price) allows you to stay only at the designated huts on your booking. Hut fees contribute to the maintenance of these facilities. A DOC ranger may be present at any of the huts.
MODERATE - GRADE 5 This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day, on average, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. The trek involves carrying a full pack around 12 - 15kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a loaded pack is also highly recommended at least once a week in variable weather conditions.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
Introductory