Heaphy Track

How fit do I need to be for the Heaphy Track?

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5 - 8 kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required

The track is well graded and maintained, and all the major rivers and creeks are bridged. Only an average fitness level is therefore required. The walk has been planned so that short days follow the longer ones.

Clients are only expected to carry their own personal gear such as sleeping bag, clothing, etc. Your guides take care of the food, cooking gear, and other equipment. The pace will be slow so as to allow ample time for observations, drink stops and snack breaks.

What is included in the price of the Heaphy Track?

The price includes all food, hut passes, transport and accommodation, including room and breakfast at the Last Resort, Karamea for one night on day 5.

What additional costs can I expect on the Heaphy Track?

Dinner on the final night in Karamea at the Last Resort is not included.

Accommodation in Motueka the night before departure.

Sleeping bag or pack hire, if required, NZ$50 per item.

What accommodation is used on the Heaphy Track?

As there are no private huts on the Heaphy, you will stay in the large well maintained Department of Conservation (DoC) huts with comfortable bunks, coal ranges and gas cookers. Adequate space is booked in huts for each guided walk. There are seven huts and two shelters to choose from on the track. There are no shower facilities, but during the summer months there are some lovely bathing creeks and rivers plus a lagoon at the Heaphy Mouth. In the cooler months a basin of water can be heated for washing.

You will need to stay in Motueka the night before your departure (not included in the trip package). Here is a list of recommended accommodation.
Hat Trick Backpackers. Website: www.hattricklodge.co.nz
Rowan Cottage B&B. Website: www.rowancottage.net
Avalon Manor Motel. Website: www.avalonmotels.co.nz

What transport is used on the Heaphy Track?

A complimentary pickup service is provided from Nelson Visitor Centre at 3:00pm or from the Nelson Airport at 3:15 pm through to Motueka the day before your hike.  

Transport back to Motueka or Nelson is with our own vehicles.  (A $50 single surcharge applies in Karamea). This is a 5.5 hour drive, which includes a lunch stop in Murchison. The drive takes us through the very picturesque Buller Gorge. We ask people who are flying out on the day of our return that they don't book a flight until after 3:30 pm so as to ensure we have plenty time to get you back to Nelson airport, allowing for any unforeseen circumstances.