Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Heaphy Track, New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Beech forest to coast (0–915 m)
- Best season
- October – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Beech forest to coast (0–915 m)
- Best season: October – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Heaphy Track
Topic summary
The 78-km 4-5 day traverse of Kahurangi National Park to the Tasman Sea.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Beech forest to coast (0–915 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Heaphy Track trip tools
How to get there
The northern end is in the upper Aorere River valley in Golden Bay, with the walking route starting at Brown Hut. The southern end is at Kōhaihai, north of Karamea on the West Coast. Plan transport for a one-way trip between these endpoints, and check the coastal diversion and tide timing before committing to a pickup schedule.
- Brown Hut
Northern starting point for the described route toward Perry Saddle Hut, on the Golden Bay side. The first stage crosses the Brown River before climbing gradually into bush.
- Kōhaihai
Southern endpoint north of Karamea, at the West Coast end of the track. Access toward Heaphy Hut is affected by the tide-dependent landslip diversion near Crayfish Point.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Heaphy Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Heaphy TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Heaphy Track
Planning to fish Heaphy Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Heaphy Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Heaphy Track
Thinking about hunting Heaphy Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Heaphy Track?
- Confirm the land around Heaphy Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A through-walk from Golden Bay to the West Coast
The Heaphy Track crosses Kahurangi National Park in the northwest of New Zealand’s South Island, linking the upper Aorere River valley in Golden Bay with Kōhaihai, north of Karamea. This Great Walk is 78.4 km one way, with a walking time of four to six days. Its defining feature is the change in country: expansive tussock downs give way to lush forest, moss-covered beech, nīkau palms and the exposed West Coast shoreline. The Heaphy River crossing and coastal stretch near Heaphy Hut add another distinct setting to the journey. DOC grades the walk as intermediate. Although the track is well marked and signposted, sections can be steep, rough or muddy. Treat it as a multi-day backcountry trip rather than a continuous easy walking path, and arrange transport around its separate endpoints.
Accommodation, equipment and seasonal riding
Six huts and nine campsites serve the Heaphy Track, and all must be booked well in advance throughout the year. Huts provide bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets and basic cooking facilities, but the cooking equipment and lighting available vary by hut. Bring food, cooking utensils and bedding; showers are not provided. Campsites have toilets, sinks and a water supply, with picnic tables and cooking shelters at some sites. Campers cannot use hut facilities, so pack for a self-contained camp rather than relying on a nearby hut. Carry waterproof layers and clothing suited to both open downs and wet forest conditions. Mountain biking is allowed only from 1 May to 30 November; DOC grades the ride as Grade 4 and gives a duration of two to three days. Dogs are not allowed.
Coastal access needs tide planning
A landslip near Crayfish Point, between Kōhaihai and Heaphy Hut, makes the original track impassable. A diversion is in place and should only be attempted within four hours either side of low tide. Check tide tables before setting out; for exact local timings, subtract 30 minutes from Westport tide times. Crossing outside the stated window is dangerous, and rogue waves remain a hazard. Keep children close throughout the crossing. Maintenance from 28 September to 7 October may temporarily stop access to the diversion, with delays of up to one hour. During this work, do not arrive at the slip site more than three hours after low tide. Build that constraint into the coastal stage rather than relying solely on walking pace, and check DOC’s current track alerts before departure.
Route options
- Full Heaphy Track on foot78.4 km one wayIntermediate tramping track
Walk between the Golden Bay and Kōhaihai ends over four to six days, crossing tussock downs, forest and the West Coast shoreline. Book huts or campsites ahead and incorporate the coastal diversion’s tide window into the itinerary.
- Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut17.5 km
Allow five hours walking. About 180 m upstream from Brown Hut, cross the Brown River bridge and a grass flat, then follow the well-defined track as it climbs gradually into bush.
- Full Heaphy Track by mountain bike78.4 km one wayGrade 4
Allow two to three days for the through-ride. Mountain bikes are allowed only from 1 May to 30 November. Arrange overnight accommodation and endpoint transport, and check how current coastal access restrictions affect the ride.
Sample itineraries
- Four-day through-walk · 4 days
Walk from Brown Hut to Kōhaihai, staying at Perry Saddle Hut, James Mackay Hut and Heaphy Hut. The 78.4 km route crosses tussock downs, forest and the West Coast shoreline. Book overnight stops and plan the coastal finish around the Crayfish Point diversion and tides.
- Six-day walking trip · 6 days
Allow six days for the full Heaphy Track, spreading the walking across booked huts or campsites. Choose overnight stops according to fitness and availability. Extra days give more time for the changing landscapes, but do not remove the need to time the coastal diversion carefully.
- Three-day mountain-bike traverse · 3 days
Ride the 78.4 km track during the permitted 1 May–30 November window. This is a Grade 4 mountain-bike route, with steep, rough and potentially muddy sections. Book overnight accommodation and check the Crayfish Point diversion before committing to the coastal section.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring travel
Mountain bikes are permitted through 30 November. Prepare for cold, wet conditions around Perry Saddle. Check coastal alerts: the Crayfish Point landslip requires a tide-dependent diversion, and maintenance may delay passage.
Summer
Summer travel
Mountain biking is outside the permitted window. Huts and campsites still require advance bookings. Carry rain protection for the forest and exposed downs, and check tide and track information before the coastal section.
Fall
Autumn travel
Mountain-bike access begins on 1 May. Plan for wet ground and carry warm layers for the downs. Overnight bookings are required year-round; check current track conditions before setting out.
Winter
Winter travel
The track is open to mountain bikes within the permitted seasonal window. Pack for cold and wet weather, allow for rough or muddy footing, and check current conditions rather than assuming the coast or higher sections will be straightforward.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring travel | Mountain bikes are permitted through 30 November. Prepare for cold, wet conditions around Perry Saddle. Check coastal alerts: the Crayfish Point landslip requires a tide-dependent diversion, and maintenance may delay passage. |
| Summer | Summer travel | Mountain biking is outside the permitted window. Huts and campsites still require advance bookings. Carry rain protection for the forest and exposed downs, and check tide and track information before the coastal section. |
| Fall | Autumn travel | Mountain-bike access begins on 1 May. Plan for wet ground and carry warm layers for the downs. Overnight bookings are required year-round; check current track conditions before setting out. |
| Winter | Winter travel | The track is open to mountain bikes within the permitted seasonal window. Pack for cold and wet weather, allow for rough or muddy footing, and check current conditions rather than assuming the coast or higher sections will be straightforward. |
Permits, fees & closures
All overnight stays at the track’s 6 huts and 9 campsites must be booked well in advance, year-round. Confirm current access conditions with DOC before departure.
Reservations: Bookings are open for the 2026/27 season through DOC’s online booking system. Check individual huts for cooking facilities and lighting before choosing overnight stops.
Official source: Heaphy Track: Kahurangi National Park and Karamea area · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- An impassable landslip near Crayfish Point lies between Kōhaihai and Heaphy Hut. Use the diversion only within 4 hours either side of low tide. For local timing, deduct 30 minutes from Westport tide times.
- Maintenance from 28 September to 7 October may temporarily stop diversion access, causing delays of up to 1 hour. During this work, do not arrive at the slip site more than 3 hours after low tide.
- Rogue waves threaten the coastal diversion. Crossing outside the stated tide window is dangerous; keep children close throughout the crossing.
- Some sections are steep, rough or muddy despite the track being well marked. Walkers need intermediate tramping ability; riders face Grade 4 terrain.
- Cold and rain around Perry Saddle warrant waterproof clothing and warm layers. Check the forecast before crossing the higher, open terrain.
- Flooding has previously damaged bridges on the West Coast section. The through-route has reopened with a new Heaphy River bridge, but check current alerts before departure.
What to pack for Heaphy Track
- Waterproof jacket and rain protection
- Warm insulating layers
- Footwear suited to rough, muddy track
- Dry spare clothing in waterproof storage
- Sleeping bag; huts do not provide bedding
- All food and cooking utensils
- Cooking equipment matched to booked facilities
- Tent and sleeping system if camping
- Headlamp; check hut lighting provision
- Track map and walking guide
- Current DOC alerts and local tide timings
- Water bottles
- First-aid kit
- Bike repair kit if riding
Wildlife you may see
- Powelliphanta are nocturnal carnivorous land snails. Look carefully around Heaphy Hut on damp nights without handling or disturbing them.
- Takahē signage appears between Saxon Hut and Perry Saddle Hut. Follow posted guidance and give wildlife space.
Heaphy Track FAQ
- Where is the Heaphy Track?
- It crosses Kahurangi National Park in the northwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The northern end is in the upper Aorere River valley, Golden Bay; the southern end is at Kōhaihai, north of Karamea on the West Coast.
- How long and difficult is it?
- The track is 78.4 km one way. Allow 4–6 days walking or 2–3 days mountain biking. DOC classifies it as an intermediate tramping track and Grade 4 mountain-bike route. Some sections are steep, rough or muddy.
- When can mountain bikes use the track?
- Mountain bikes are allowed only from 1 May to 30 November. Check current alerts before riding, particularly for the coastal diversion near Crayfish Point.
- What do huts and campsites provide?
- Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets and basic cooking facilities, but no food, utensils, showers or bedding. Check individual cooking and lighting arrangements. Campsites have toilets, sinks and water; some have tables and cooking shelters. Campers cannot use hut facilities.
- Is the full through-route open?
- The through-route has reopened with a new bridge over the Heaphy River. However, an impassable landslip near Crayfish Point requires a tide-dependent diversion. Check DOC alerts and tide tables before departure and account for maintenance delays.
- Can dogs come on the track?
- No. Dogs are not allowed on the Heaphy Track.