Great Walks of New Zealand
Heaphy
South Island
The Heaphy Great Walk is located in the Kahurangi National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The track takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests to alpine tussocks, and offers stunning views of the coastline. The Heaphy is the longest of the Great Walks with options to mountain bike the track at certain times of the year.
Quick Overview
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Heaphy Track Overview
What to Expect
Day Walk Options
Difficulty
Track Elevation
Logistics & Bookings
The crew will be completing the Heaphy Track in 2026. The page will be updated soon.
The Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track is located in the Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island. This is a one-way track starting either in Karamea on the West Coast or Golden Bay, west of Abel Tasman National Park. Maori had traditionally travelled a similar route over Gouland Downs from Aorere to the Heaphy River to collect greenstone (pounamu) for tools, ornaments and weapons. This Great Walk has some of the most diverse landscapes with hikers experiencing rugged mountains, enchanted forests, nikau palms, and wild wind-swept beaches.
The Heaphy Track is the longest of the Great Walks taking 4-6 days over 78.4 km one way and can be walked all year round. This track, like the Paparoa Track, can be mountain biked as well as hiked during the period 1st May to 30th November only. It is considered an advanced Grade 4 mountain biking track.
There are 6 huts on the track - Brown Hut (16 bunks), Perry Saddle Hut (28 bunks), Gouland Downs Hut (8 bunks), Saxon hut (16 bunks), James Mackay Hut (28 bunks), Heaphy Hut (32 bunks). There are campsites at each of the huts as well as 4 more (Aorere, Katipo Creek, Scotts Beach, Kohaihai). The Heaphy Track is not as popular as other Great Walks so it can
be easier to secure huts/campsite bookings throughout the year (outside of holiday periods). Although it's a much quieter walk than other Great Walks, the area is popular for other activities.
The Heaphy is not a loop track and finishes kilometers apart, so organizing logistics to/from the beginning and end of the track can be the most challenging part of booking this Great Walk.
What to expect
Brown Hut travelling to Kohaihai Shelter – 4 day hike
Day 1 – Brown hut to Perry Saddle Hut 17.5km
The hike begins at Brown Hut and hikers will cross the Brown River and start a gradual climb approx. 4 hours towards Aorere Shelter. Hikers can elect to complete a 10min return side trip to Flanagans Corner, the highest point from the track at 915m. Perry Saddle Hut/Campsite is approx. 30min further on from here.
Day 2 - Perry Saddle Hut to James Mackay Hut 24.2km
The 24.2km hike to James Mackay Hut should take approx. 6hrs 30 mins. Hikers will cross Perry Saddle until the valley widens and in approx 2hrs hikers will reach Gouland Downs Hut after Cave Brook and an open tussock area. The hike from Gouland Downs Hut to Saxon Hut sees hikers cross relatively flat tussock land and takes approx 1hr 30mins. A 30min return side trip to the enchanted forest is a must with beech trees, old caves, and a small waterfall. Stay on the track in teh forest as it is easy to get lost here. The final 11.8km push to James MacKay Hut will take approx 3 hours where the track climbs gently over a ridge and back around MacKay Downs. James MacKay Hut offers views of the Tasman Sea and Heaphy River.
Day 3 - James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut 20.5km
The hike to Heaphy Hut is expected to take approx 6 hours. Hikers descend to the Heaphy River passing the emergency Lewis Shelter after 12.5km. Hikers cross the longest suspension bridge over the Heaphy River and head towards the mouth of the river under kahikatea, rimu, and rata trees. The Heaphy Hut is set back from the ocean.
Day 4 - Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai Shelter 16.2km
The track heads south under forest, across rivers, and beaches towards Kohaihai which should take approx 5hrs. Scotts Beach and campsite sits just before the climb over the Kohaihai saddle and bridge to cross the river. Continue on towards the shelter and car park to end the hike.
Day Walk Options
If you are interested in getting a taste of the Heaphy track, a popular day walk to Scotts Beach is a short 2 to 3hr hike.
Suggested Day Walk:
Kohaihai Shelter to Scotts Beach - 2 hrs return / 7km - start at Kohaihai shelter and follow the river up to the swing bridge. Continue under nikau palms, karaka and rata trees and climb over the saddle to great views over the sea. A small descent takes you to Scotts Beach. Scotts Beach has dangerous currents, avoid swimming here.
Difficulty
The Heaphy is the longest of the Great Walks and is often completed in 4 days with hikers travelling between 16.2km – 24.2km each day. However, there are many huts and campsites on the track which allow hikers to shorten or lengthen days on the trail to suit fitness and abilities.
Heaphy Track Elevation Profile
Source: Department of Conservation
Logistics & Bookings
Before you book anything, secure bookings for the huts/campsites first. The Heaphy Track is not as popular as other Great Walks, so obtaining hut/campsite bookings is much easier (outside of holiday periods). For more information on Department of Conservation (DOC) huts/campsites including tips on how to secure a booking, check out the BOOK IT section above or click the link below.
The Heaphy Track is not a loop track, with the start and end of the track 5hrs 30mins drive apart. Brown Hut and Kohaihai Shelter are quite remote. There are lots of different options including car relocation to the end of the track, bus, and shuttle options. It is also possible to fly close to the track landing at Takaka and Karamea airfields to/from Nelson or Wellington. If considering flying, check available flights for your dates before booking the huts/campsites. All options come at different prices with flying significantly more convenient but also more expensive. Check out the BOOK IT section or click the link below for more information.