A huge amount of beauty and diversity will greet you on this track but be warned – due to its isolation and ruggedness, this is no soft track!
The tramp begins in the historic gold mining valley of the Aorere River. On a clear day it is possible to see the North Island's Mt Taranaki. It then climbs steadily through beech forest and alpine herb fields, and crosses the vast red tussock grasslands of the Gouland Downs. A word of caution here. When the mist comes down, it can resemble a English moor and it is easily to get disoriented and go off the track. Scattered about classic Kahurangi sculptured limestone outcrops appear. Beech trees laced with hanging mosses and lichens enclose dense fern grottos, to create a magical ‘enchanted forest’ scene. A section of the Mackay Downs floods in extremely wet conditions. This bit of track crosses a wetland and a bridge. It becomes quite impassable and quite dangerous if raining so you are advised to wait for the water to recede. Finally as the track descends to the dramatic West Coast, pounding surf can be viewed through lush sub-tropical groves of nikau palms.
The Heaphy track is an incredible contrast in both natural surroundings and geography and to cope with the varied conditions you need a range of equipment for warm, cold, windy or wet conditions. You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. Cotton clothing, such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable. Wool and modern synthetics are better as they dry quicker and give more warmth. You should also carry an extra days food in case you get held up due to flooded creeks.
Kahurangi National Park
Nelson/Tasman region, South Island.
Allow 5 to 6 days.
