Discover what it’s really like hiking New Zealand’s legendary Heaphy Track — from wild West Coast beaches and lush nikau forests to icy mountain swimming holes and relentless sandflies. Ontheslowdown covers track logistics, huts, transport tips, trail conditions, and everything you need to know before tackling one of New Zealand’s most diverse Great Walks.

Read our real experience of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Read our real experience of canoeing the Whanganui River Journey

Read our real experience of walking the Hump Ridge Great Walk

Read our real experience of hiking the Milford Track Great Walk

The crew's second Great Walk sees us hiking through rainforest and circumnavigating the remote, Lake Waikaremoana. The hike requires a gut busting climb to a bluff which rewards us with epic views across the lake. A swim under beautiful cascading waterfall turns to mishap, which requires medical attention from the crew nurses and some unattractive plaster placement. Read on to hear about our adventure and some cautionary tales about possums. Great Walk: Lake Waikaremoana Time

Read our real experience of hiking the Routeburn Track, Great Walk

Read our real experience of hiking the Abel Tasman Coastal Great Walk

Read out real experience of hiking the Paparoa Great Walk

Read our real experience of hiking the Kepler Track, Great Walk