Four Day Freedom Walk
Let us take away the hassle out of organising your walk on the Heaphy Track.
This package begins in Nelson and has the option of either returning to Nelson or finishing in Wesport from where you can continue your West Coast adventure. Walk the 82km track in the Kahurangi National Park from the north (Collingwood) end and finish 4 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 rainforest, to the almost tropical northwest Nelson coastline with Nikau groves right down to the sandy beaches. Stay each night in Department of Conservation huts.
We arrange your accommodation prior to the walk in Nelson, transport to and from the track, Department of Conservation hut tickets and luggage transfers to the other end for your surplus baggage. You will need to carry your own clothing and carry and prepare your own food along the trail. There is gas and running water in all huts and flush toilets but you need to take cooking and eating utensils. A route guide will be provided.
Important Footnote: The accommodation is Department of Conservation huts - these are comfortable but must be shared with other walkers.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (approx. 17km/5 Hours)
Pick up at accommodation in Nelson at 7.30am and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track). 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 James Mackay Hut (approx. 25km/7-8 hours)
The BIG day begins by following Perry Creek through tussock clearings and scattered beech forest until the valley widens and the open Gouland Downs can be seen sprawling towards the West Coast. The track passes the famous boot pole and gently undulates across the downs, eventually climbing gradually past Saxon Hut onto the edges of Mackay Downs. From here, there are glimpses of the mouth of the Heaphy River and the Tasman Sea. It is not long before the 26 bunk James Mackay Hut is reached, perched on a bench above the track.
Day 3 – James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut (approx. 21km/6-7 hours)
The track from Mackay Hut descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and subtropical podocarp forest to the Lewis Hut. From here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant rata trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, your accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea.
Day 4 – Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (approx. 17km - 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 with your luggage on board meets you at the Kohaihai River mouth where we transfer you either back to Nelson or to Westport to connect with onward transport connections.
Price per person:
$595NZ (Backpacker)
$655NZ (B&B)
$705NZ (Hotel)
(includes one night's accommodation in Nelson prior to the walk in either a centrally located backpackers, B&B or hotel, three night’s hut accommodation in Department of Conservation huts, transport to and from the track ex. Nelson, luggage transfers and route guide).
Email us on info@heaphytracknz.com for more information or to book. Please state your preferred departure date.