The Heaphy Track, located in Kahurangi National Park at the north-west corner of the South Island, is the longest of the DOC Great Walks. For 78.4 kilometres the track crosses the park's range of landscapes, starting from the junction of the Brown and Aorere Rivers, over expansive tussock downs to the lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas of the West Coast.
The track is well formed and suitable for fit, well-equipped people. All rivers and major streams are bridged. The track takes 4-6 days to walk. A mountain bike trial is being held from 1 May to 30 September until September 2013. It takes 2-3 days to ride the track. The trial will be fully assessed by the end of December 2013 and a decision made whether seasonal mountain biking continues. There are huts and campsites where you can stay for a fee. Bookings are required.
The nearest towns that cater for trampers and mountain bikers are Nelson, Takaka, Westport and Karamea. Karamea has an information centre, petrol station, accommodation, cafés and restaurants, supermarket and general store, and a range of transport options. Takaka has an i-SITE, petrol stations, supermarket, small sport/camping and hardware stores as well as cafés and accommodation. Collingwood has a petrol station, grocery store, shops, cafés, a hotel and accommodation.
Alert/Important notice
24 February 2012: Mountain biking is allowed on the Heaphy Track on a seasonal basis, from 1 May to 30 September.
Heaphy Track mountain bike trial
Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Advanced
Expert
Time:
4-6 days (walking); 2-3 days (mountain biking)
Distance:
78.4 km