THE HEAPHY TRACK
Six Day/Five Night Guided Walk
Southern Wilderness NZ’s five day guided walk on the Heaphy Track is a total package – starting in Nelson and returning to Nelson. We walk the 82km track in the Kahurangi National Park from the north (Collingwood) end and finish 5 days later at the Kohaihai River on the West Coast. The former pack track – now upgraded - is known for its stunning beauty and diversity of landscape, from the expansive rolling tussock lands of the Gouland Downs, the temperate rain forest, to the almost tropical northwest Nelson coastline with Nikau groves right down to the sandy beaches. We stay each night in Department of Conservation huts with the exception of the last night spent at the Alpine Lodge in St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park for a taste of well-deserved luxury and a restaurant meal before transferring back to Nelson.
These tours depart year round subject to minimum numbers - please contact us with your preferred departure date.
NB. Allow six days for this package – five to walk the track plus the overnight at the Alpine Lodge and then transfer back to Nelson by lunchtime on the sixth day. Important Footnote: The accommodation is Department of Conservation huts - these are comfortable but must be shared with other walkers. Clients must carry their own pack containing clothing and bedding plus own snack pack and utensils (last two items supplied). Guides carry all food and cooking utensils. Pack cartage available on request.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (approx. 17km 5 Hours)
Pick up at accommodation in Nelson 7am and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track) – briefings etc. The track gradually climbs through podocarp and beech forest to Flanagans Corner (your highest point on the track at 915m). Grand views of Aorere Valley can be seen with Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day. A gentle stroll on to Perry Saddle Hut, which is 880 metres above sea level and has bunk-style accommodation for 26.
Day 2 – Perry Saddle Hut to Saxon Hut (approx. 16km 4 hours)
An easier day with only 4 hours walking. The track passes through patches of beech forest before the wide expanse of the tussock covered Gouland Downs can be seen sprawling toward the West Coast. The track meanders down to Cave Brook, passing the famous 'boot pole' on which trampers have tied their old boots. Past a limestone outcrop, with caves and waterfalls, we continue on the flatter part of the Downs to Saxon Hut (16 bunks) – our accommodation for this evening.
Day 3 – Saxon Hut to Lewis Hut (approx. 24 kms 7-8 hours)
The track crosses the Saxon River flats, then onto the broad ridge between the Gouland and Mackay Downs, passing old poles marking the boundary between Nelson and the West Coast provinces. The vegetation varies between tussock and shrub fringed beech forest with glimpses of the ocean in the distance.We stop at for lunch today at Mackay Hut. Beautiful views down to the Heaphy River mouth reward us here, before we set off again. The track descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and sub-tropical podocarp forest to the Lewis Hut our destination for the evening.
Day 4 – Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut (approx. 8km/2.5 hours)
Another shorter walk . From here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant Rata, and Kahikatea trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, our accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea. A truly magical spot.
Day 5 – Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (approx. 16km - 5 hours)
Walk from the Heaphy Hut along a coastline studded with Nikau groves to the track’s end at the Kohaihai River. Some beach walking is possible at low tide. This is a spectacular coastal walk –one of NZ’s best day walks – to complete your Heaphy adventure. Our van meets you at the Kohaihai River mouth where we transfer you to the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park (around 3 hours drive) and our overnight accommodation at the Alpine Lodge.
Accommodation: The Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud – hotel-style accommodation and restaurant dining.
Day 6 – Transfers
Enjoy final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. Arrive Nelson around lunchtime to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation.
Includes four night’s hut accommodation in Department of Conservation huts plus ensuite room at the Alpine Lodge on double/twin basis-(single supplement is an additional $50 NZ on request subject to availability), all meals, guiding services, door to door service)