Southern Wilderness New Zealand

4.5 day Heaphy Track itinerary

Out of summer Season Specials!

If you book on a Heaphy Track adventure with Southern Wilderness departing before the end of November 2010, we will give you one night's free accommodation in Nelson before your trip, with breakfast included! Contact us today to book your Gourmet Heaphy Experience. Call us free on 0800 666 044 in New Zealand, or 1800 355 768 free call from Australia. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

These tours depart year-round subject to minimum numbers - please contact us with your preferred departure date. Click here to check availability for our planned 2010/11 4.5 day trips.

CLICK HERE to view a map of the Heaphy Track

Itinerary

Day 1 - Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (approx. 17.5km/5 Hours)        

Pick up at accommodation in Nelson and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track) for briefings and a mid-morning departure. The track climbs gradually, at an easy steady gradient, through podocarp and beech forest to reach Flanagan's Corner (the highest point on the track, at 915m). En route there are grand views of Aorere Valley, with Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day. It's then a gentle stroll on to Perry Saddle Hut, which sits at 880 metres above sea level and provides bunk-style accommodation for 26.

Day 2 - Perry Saddle Hut to James Mackay Hut (approx. 24.2km/7-8 hours)                

After a hearty breakfast, the BIG day begins by following Perry Creek through tussock clearings and scattered beech forest until the valley widens and opens into the sub-alpine tussock lands of Gouland Downs, which extend toward the West Coast. The track passes the famous boot pole, gently undulating across the downs, and climbing gradually to a lunch stop at Saxon Hut. This marks the edge of the Mackay Downs. As the moss-lined track winds on, there are occasional glimpses of the mouth of the Heaphy River and the Tasman Sea. The final destination is the 26 bunk James Mackay Hut, perched on a bench above the track.

Day 3 - James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut (approx. 20.5km/6-7 hours)         

The track from Mackay Hut descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and subtropical Podocarp forest to a lunch stop at the Lewis Hut. From here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant rata trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, our accommodation for the evening, has a spectacular location at the river mouth with sweeping views both up the river valley and down the wild West Coast.

Day 4 - Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (approx. 16.2km - 5 hours)           

The final trail section heads from Heaphy Hut along a coastline dominated by Nikau groves to the track's end at the Kohaihai River mouth. Some beach walking is possible at low tide. This is a spectacular coastal walk (and one of NZ's best day walks) to complete your Heaphy adventure. Our van meets you at the Kohaihai River mouth where we transfer you to the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park (around 3 hours drive) and our overnight accommodation and end of trip dinner at the Alpine Lodge.

Accommodation: The Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud - hotel-style accommodation and restaurant dining.

Day 5 - Transfers    

Enjoy a final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. We arrive back in Nelson by lunchtime to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation.

CLICK HERE to check availability on the 4.5 day Heaphy hike,  contact us via email, or call free on 0800 666 044

 

Price per person:  Classic Heaphy 4.5 Day Package $1595

Includes three night's hut accommodation in Department of Conservation huts plus ensuite room at the Alpine Lodge on double/twin share basis,- (single supplement is an additional $50 NZ on request subject to availability), all meals, guiding services, door to door service

Feel free to call from New Zealand on 0800 666 044  or Australia 1800 355 768

NOTE: The accommodation on the track is Department of Conservation huts - these are comfortable but must be shared with other walkers. Guests carry their own pack containing clothing and bedding plus own snack pack and utensils (last two items supplied). Guides carry all food and cooking utensils.