THE HEAPHY TRACK
Five Day/Four Night Guided Walk
Southern Wilderness NZ’s four 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 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. 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 five days for this package – four to walk the track plus the overnight at the Alpine Lodge and then transfer back to Nelson by lunchtime on the fifth 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 at 7.30am 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 James Mackay Hut (approx. 25km/7-8 hours)
After a hearty breakfast, 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 toward 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, our accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea.
Day 4 – 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 5 – Transfers
Enjoy final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. Arrive Nelson around lunchtime to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation.
Price per person: $1295 NZ
Includes three night’s hut accommodation in Department of Conservation huts plus ensuite room at the Alpine Lodge on double/twin share basis,- (single supplement is an additional $50 NZ on request subject to availability), all meals, guiding services, door to door service