Southern Wilderness New Zealand

5.5 day Heaphy Track itinerary

Out of summer Season Specials!

If you book on a Heaphy Track adventure departing between the month of May through till the end of November, with Southern Wilderness, and we will give you a nights accommodation in a great hotel in Nelson, with breakfast included before your trip! Contact us today to book your Gourmet Heaphy Experience, you can call us on 0800 666 044 free call in New Zealand, or 1800 355 768 free call from Australia. We're looking 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 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 7am and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track) - briefings etc. The track gradually climbs through Podocarp and beech forest to Flanagan's Corner (your highest point on the track at 915m). Grand views of Aorere Valley can be seen with Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day. From here a gentle stroll on to Perry Saddle Hut, this is 880 metres above sea level and has bunk-style accommodation for 26.

Day 2 - Perry Saddle Hut to Saxon Hut (approx. 12.4km 4 hours)

This is an easier day with only 4 hours walking. The track passes through patches of beech forest before the wide expanse of the tussock covered Gouland Downs can be seen sprawling toward the West Coast. The track meanders down to Cave Brook, passing the famous 'boot pole' on which trampers have tied their old boots. Past a limestone outcrop, with caves and waterfalls, we continue on the flatter part of the Downs to Saxon Hut (16 bunks) - our accommodation for this evening.

Day 3 - Saxon Hut to Lewis Hut (approx. 24.3 kms 7-8 hours)

The track crosses the Saxon River flats, then onto the broad ridge between the Gouland and Mackay Downs, passing old poles marking the boundary between Nelson and the West Coast provinces. The vegetation varies between tussock and shrub fringed beech forest with glimpses of the ocean in the distance. We stop at for lunch today at Mackay Hut. Beautiful views down to the Heaphy River mouth reward us here, before we set off again. The track descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and sub-tropical Podocarp forest to the Lewis Hut our destination for the evening.

Day 4 - Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut (approx. 8km/2.5 hours)         

Today is another shorter walk; from here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant Rata, and Kahikatea  trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, our accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea. This is a truly magical spot.

 

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

Walk from the Heaphy Hut along a coastline studded with Nikau groves to the track's end at the Kohaihai River. Some beach walking is possible at low tide. This is a spectacular coastal walk -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 at the Alpine Lodge.

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

 

Day 6 - Transfers    

Enjoy final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. Arriving Nelson around lunchtime to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation.

CLICK HERE to check availability on the Heaphy 5.5 day hike. Contact us via email; or call 0800 666 044

Price per person:  Classic Heaphy 5.5 Day Package $1695

Includes four night's hut accommodation in Department of Conservation huts plus ensuite room at the Alpine Lodge on double/twin 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 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.