Heaphy Track Details | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

Tour Details

Start

Start: Motueka 7:30 - 8.00 am.
Please note there is a complimentary shuttle available from Nelson to Motueka the day before your trip begins. The shuttle departs Nelson Visitor Information Centre 3pm or Nelson Airport 3:15pm

Finish

Finish: Motueka, or Nelson (3:00 - 3:30 pm)

DEPARTURE DATES

17 October, 2025
8, 22 November, 2025
16 December, 2025
20 January, 2026
1, 15, 22 February, 2026
11, 26 March, 2026

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $2,280.00
Adult (compulsory single supplement - solo hiker) NZD $2,350.00

Days

6 days

Fitness grade

Grade: C
(Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day)

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Maximum 10 people.

A single supplement applies to all individual travelers. Accommodation on the track is in shared Department of Conservation (DoC) huts, except for the last night of the tour, where you will have your own room.

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Transport

A complimentary pickup service is provided from Nelson iSite at 3 pm 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.

Additional Costs

The price includes all food, hut passes and transport as well as accommodation, including room and breakfast at the Last Resort, Karamea for one night on day 5 (dinner not included). Excludes Motueka accommodation the night before the hike.

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

Grading & Fitness

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.

Accommodation

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 to Take

Clients are advised that they require all items on the gear list including pack covers, polypros, raincoats and room for a sleeping bag in the pack rather than attached to the outside.

Essential Items:

Sleeping bag (lightweight bag and liner recommended; huts have bunks and mattresses)
Pack (large enough for gear listed below.
Rainproof pack cover
Plastic pack liner
Rain coat or waterproof parka
Sun hat
Warm hat and gloves
Socks, woolen or thermal (3 pairs)
Tramping or hiking boots (good support needed)
Light shoes for hut: sneakers, sandals or "water socks"
Drink bottle (1 litre)
Small torch (flashlight) and extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal cleaning and hygiene kit (bio-degradable pack soap)
Towel (pack towel or small regular towel)

Suggested clothing:

Generally avoid cotton in favour of quick-dry synthetics and/or wool
Tramping or hiking shorts (1 pair)
Light track pants (e.g. nylon) (1 pair)
Longjohns (polypropylene or wool) (1 pair)
T-shirt/short sleeve shirts (1 for walking, 1 dry for hut)
Warm jersey or sweater (woolen or fleece)
Wet weather 'over trousers'
Underwear (2 or 3 pair)
Swim wear
Gaiters (not essential)
Eating utensils
Camera with extra batteries

These items can be hired on request (NZ$50 per item):

Sleeping bag with liners
Backpack (50 - 65 litres)

Food

All food on the hike is provided (except for dinner in Karamea on day 5).

The guides carry and cook all the food. Breakfasts include muesli or porridge and toast with condiments. Lunches are sandwiches or wraps with cold meat or tuna and cheese and tomatoes with hummus or chutneys. Dinners are either a meat dish or vegetarian. Vegetarian may be a variation of the meat dishes with veggie sauce, bean dish, tofu, etc. Snacks are also included and they may include bars, chocolate and nuts.

Guides & Safety

The Heaphy Track team has built a sound reputation as an ecologically based operation, with a concern for the park's natural values. Our guides have a vast knowledge of flora, fauna and history to share with you and explore our unique Kahurangi environment. In addition they will carry and cook lots of delicious food!

We are registered with the Department of Conservation. All guides have current First Aid Certificates and are carrying locator beacons. Risk management sheets depicting planned route and client information are completed and logged with our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we hire gear and how much is it?

Yes, sleeping bags (with liners) and packs (with liners and pack covers) are available. The cost is $50.00 per item. Backpacks range from 50 - 65 litres depending on your requirements.

How hard is it? Do you cater for beginners?

The terrain isn't difficult - there aren't any mountain passes, but it is the longest of the great walks at 82 kilometres. Although there are a few rough sections, i.e. narrow or muddy, the track is generally in a good condition. As long as you have a moderate fitness level, beginner hikers are welcome as long as you are aware of the above, because the guides carry all food and cooking gear. Clients must be able to carry their own personal gear which shouldn't weigh any more than 10kg.

Will I be picked up from my accommodation?

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Motueka on the morning of departure. Ensure you ring the Motueka office the day before departure, when you arrive in Motueka, to reconfirm pick up time, etc. Breakfast is not supplied on the morning of departure, so please organise this yourself.

What is the minimum and maximum numbers in my group?

The minimum number is two clients and the maximum is 10. One guide with up to 4 clients, two for more.

Booking Conditions

Payment:
For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required. NZD$400 of the deposit is non-refundable but is transferable (see below).

Cancellations:
All cancellations must be made in writing, and sent to [email protected]
Less than six weeks from the departure date: No refund, but cancelled bookings can be held in credit for one year to be transferred to another Heaphy Track departure.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance.

Heaphy Track