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heaphy track
Enter a West Coast ecological
wonderland called Kahurangi National Park by following one of New
Zealand's best-loved tracks.
The 82 km Heaphy Track is renowned for the beauty and diversity
of its landscapes. The 4 to 6 day tramp begins in the historic
gold mining valley of the Aorere River. It then climbs steadily
through beech forest and alpine herb fields, and crosses the vast
red tussock grasslands of the Gouland Downs. At intervals,
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.
Finally as the track descends to the dramatic West Coast,
pounding surf can be viewed through lush sub-tropical groves of
nikau palms - an incredible contrast in both vegetation and
topography.
Trampers normally choose to travel east to west, starting out
from the Brown Hut at Aorere. This is 28 km from Collingwood in
Golden Bay and 135 km from Nelson. Along the track there are 7
huts and 7 campsites for which you need to purchase a Great Walk
pass. The Heaphy Hut is set above the river with views to the
Tasman Sea. From this hut the final day is 5 hours walk down the
coastline to the Kohaihai River, 16 km north of Karamea.
Transport operators provide a shuttle service to the track start
from Collingwood, Takaka, Motueka and Nelson. A Karamea taxi
service and bus shuttle meets trampers at the track end.
The Heaphy Track is particularly fascinating if you have an
interest in the natural world. The Kahurangi region has half of
New Zealand’s native plant species, including 80% of all
alpine plants. Orchids grow on the forest floor. The Gouland
Downs rocks are the oldest in New Zealand at 500 million years.
Perry Saddle hut is possibly the best place to see kiwi in their
native habitat.
This is truly a Great Walk in every sense. It provides a
kaleidoscope of interest for the nature lover and is a truly
magical experience.
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