Heaphy Track (4 days, 3 nights)
Temporary unbridged crossing – Lewis River
Due to the re-routing of the track, it is necessary to ford the Lewis River until mid-December 2023 when the Lewis River Bridge will be finished. In normal flow this is an ankle-deep crossing approximately 20 metres wide.
DOC staff will be onsite to assess river conditions and provide guidance to visitors. If the river becomes unsafe to cross our staff will give advice and take the necessary action to keep everyone safe.
Visitors should be prepared to spend an extra night on the track if there are adverse weather conditions.
The Heaphy Track is one of NZ’s Great Walks, and is suitable for trampers of all ages. It is 82 km long, crossing a range of landscapes in a small part of the Kahurangi National Park and includes tussock covered downs, river flats, lush forest, and the scenic west coast, rugged in beauty and diverse in nature. The nikau groves that tower alongside the last part of the Heaphy Track at the Karamea side make it especially beautiful.
The distances between the huts vary from 8 – 16 km. Most huts accommodate 20–30 trampers. Designated campsites are also provided. The track takes about 4 days and 3 nights for the average tramper. A family group may prefer to take 5 days and 4 nights. Book online prior to starting the track, or check at a DOC office. Please note: Passes purchased on the track will be charged at a premium rate. Dogs or other domestic animals are not allowed in the National Park.
Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is permitted over the winter months from 1 May - 30 November. It is a 2 or 3 day ride, requiring a good level of fitness, self reliance and an intermediate level of skills. Bikers need to have a reliable bike, carry all their food, clothes, overnight and personal gear, bike tools and equipment.
Please obey the mountain bikers code.
For further information and bookings, visit www.doc.govt.nz
Heaphy Track Walks
The following well-graded walks are at the beginning of the Heaphy Track, 15 kilometres north of Karamea.
Nikau Palm Walk (20 minutes) This short loop walk is suitable for all ages. A solid bridge crosses over the Kohaihai River with a ramp down into the nikau groves, giving easy access to the physically challenged.
Zig Zag Track (5 minutes one way) Just at the top of the first hill from the Kohaihai carpark area, turn right and start the steadily climbing zig-zag track part way up the hill.This will offer you spectacular views of the Kohaihai and the Tasman Sea. A great place to sit and watch the magic of a brilliant sunset.
Scotts Beach (1 hour one way) Beyond the Nikau Palm Walk, continue up and over the hill with magnificent views, ferns and rata, opening onto a beautiful stretch of coastal scenery. Scotts Hill lookout just 25 minutes.
Katipo Creek Shelter (5 hours return) Continue north beyond Scotts Beach along a nikau studded coastal strip.
Heaphy Hut (5 hours one way) A taste of the Heaphy Track with a welcome and well equipped tramping hut at the mouth of the Heaphy River. Bookings are required for overnight accommodation and camping. Bookings can be made on DoC’s Campsites website
Heaphy Track Transport
For a variety of transport options to both ends of the Heaphy go to the Track Transport page.
