Begin with a two-hour scenic drive from your accommodation in Motueka to the start of the track in the Aorere Valley in Golden Bay. The road takes you over the renowned Takaka Hill, also known as Marble Mountain for its huge outcrops of limestone marble rock. Next, travel down the beautiful Takaka Valley, through the township of the same name, then turn inland to the Aorere Valley. The track commences at Brown River and climbs on a well graded track through lowland then podocarp-beech forest. Reach the highest point on the track (910m) approximately 40 minutes from the destination for the night - Perry Saddle Hut. From the hut there are spectacular views of the distant saw-toothed Douglas Range and the Dragon's Teeth.
Perry Saddle Hut is perched on the highest point of the Heaphy Track, providing you with incredible views of Mt Olympus and the Dragons Teeth peaks as you relax on the verandah. Facilities are basic but ensure a comfortable stay.
An easy day of flat to undulating walking. First through kamahi-beech-Quintinia forest, then across the rolling tussock grass lands of the Gouland Downs - a peneplain. Stop at the Gouland Downs Hut for lunch, then continue through the Enchanted Forest. This is a limestone remnant with beech forest. Across the Downs, you will walk through more magic forest with Dracophyllum traversii and D. townsonii track side. Your destination, Saxon Hut, is situated in tussock country.
Saxon Hut is a comfortable modern hut set amongst the tussocks of the Gouland Downs. Refuel with a hearty meal in front of the cozy woodfire, before listening out for the call of the unique spotted kiwi.
The lush forest opens to a distant view of the Heaphy mouth. This day may be done in two sections or an overnight option at Mackay is possible. Check with your guide as to your route.
In the morning you will leave the Gouland Downs, and gently wind your way up and over to the edge of the Mackay Downs, then onto the Mackay Hut for a lunch break. Here you will have glimpses of the Tasman Sea and tomorrow's destination at the Heaphy mouth.
If you are overnighting at Mackay, a visit to the 'tops' above the hut is an afternoon option. Expansive and panoramic views around the mountains and out to the Tasman Sea, may be viewed.
If continuing to Lewis Hut today, you encounter a different flora habitat once again, with the banks along the track covered with mosses and a huge diversity of other plants. The geology changes to granite country with wonderful outcrops. You will descend to the Heaphy valley floor. The track winds gradually down through ever changing forest with new species being added constantly, until the first nikau palm appears and the forest takes on a jungle like appearance. The Lewis Hut is situated on the confluence of the Heaphy and Lewis Rivers (from Saxon Hut to Lewis Hut is 24km, 7 - 8 hrs hiking).
From the comfort and modernity of Mackay Hut be treated to picture perfect views of the Tasman Sea, Heaphy River mouth and the wild west coast. This newly built hut was constructed with comfort in mind while ensuring uninterrupted vistas.
After crossing the Heaphy swing bridge, the mixed lowland rain forest flora and the limestone outcrops cannot be rushed. There is little of this forest type left in New Zealand. Follow the river all the way to the mouth, arriving at Heaphy Hut around 1pm for a leisurely lunch.
**Currently the Track is closed from James MacKay Hut to Heaphy Hut. For this section there may be a river crossing required or a helicopter transfer may be used (approx $300 per person).
The Heaphy Hut overlooks the mouth of the Heaphy River, offering spectacular views of the river as it surges through a narrow gap to join with incoming waves of this wild west coast beach. Experience the famous West Coast sunset as it sets over the golden lit ocean, while nikau palms bunched around the hut give a remote tropical island feel which comes alive with the sound of the lapping waves. Facilities are basic but allow for a comfortable stay.
For the entire day the track hugs the coast and goes in and out of nikau and karaka groves beside pounding surf beaches. There is magnificent scenery all the way, we stop for lunch in Kohaihai at the end of the track before driving for 20 minutes to Karamea. This is where your night's stay is at the Last Resort, Karamea. Enjoy a wonderful evening reflecting over the past five days.
The Last Resort in Karamea is the perfect place to relax with a cold drink and celebrate the past five days hiking the Heaphy Track. Your body will be thanking you after a hot shower and comfy night sleep in a real bed!
On the morning of day 6, we will leave Karamea in our own transport for the 5 1/2 hour scenic drive to Motueka or Nelson. This route will take you down the northern West Coast to Westport, then through the picturesque Buller Gorge. We will be stopping en-route at Murchison for a light lunch. Arrival time in Nelson will be approx. 3:00 to 3:30pm, so it is advisable not to book a flight out of Nelson until after 4:30pm in the event of unforeseen circumstances delaying our return.
Any excess luggage left behind in Motueka whilst you are on the track, will be awaiting you at Karamea, where we finish the walk.
If you are continuing on down the West Coast after your Heaphy walk, we can drop you off in Westport if desired.
