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Kohaihai
78.4 km
96 hours
2080 metres
If you are looking for the ultimate New Zealand wilderness experience, look no further than the Heaphy Track. Located in the north-western corner of the South Island within the sprawling Kahurangi National Park, this 78.4-kilometre journey is one of the country's most cherished Great Walks. Unlike some tracks that offer a singular type of scenery, the Heaphy is a "greatest hits" of New Zealand landscapes. It is a point-to-point adventure that typically takes between four to six days (roughly 96 hours of walking and hut time) to complete, and it is every bit as challenging as it is beautiful.
Starting your journey, you’ll find yourself traversing expansive tussock downs that feel like the roof of the world. The wind whispers across these golden plains, offering a sense of isolation and peace that is hard to find elsewhere. But the scenery doesn't stay still for long. Soon, the track plunges you into lush, dense beech and podocarp forests. This is the heart of the "hidden land" (the meaning of Kahurangi), where towering trees are draped in intricate vines and the ground is a soft carpet of moss-laden undergrowth.
As you begin your descent toward the West Coast, the environment undergoes a dramatic transformation. The cool, temperate forest gives way to a subtropical paradise. You will find yourself walking through groves of graceful nīkau palms, their distinctive fronds creating a canopy that feels more like the South Pacific islands than the rugged South Island. The final stretch is perhaps the most iconic: the track hugs the wild West Coast, where the roar of the Tasman Sea becomes your constant companion. You’ll walk along windswept beaches, cross scenic river flats, and bounce across impressive suspension bridges, all while the salt spray fills the air.
With a total elevation gain of 2080 metres, this is a "hard" rated track. While the path is generally well-formed, you should be prepared for steady climbs, steeper sections, and the inevitable West Coast mud. It is a physical commitment, but the reward is a profound connection with a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The Heaphy Track is a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s sanctuary. Here are the standout features you simply cannot miss:
Parking is available at the Kohaihai car park, located at the end of Kohaihai Road, approximately 15 km north of Karamea.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx haastii
New Zealand's largest kiwi species, the roroa is nocturnal and, while rarely seen, its distinctive call can sometimes be heard during twilight walks in the Bealey Valley.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
15km away
Located in Karamea, this establishment offers a range of accommodation from private rooms to backpacker dorms, along with dining options suitable for hikers. It's known for its cozy atmosphere and owners passionate about the area.
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Point to point
The Heaphy Track is a point-to-point walk, meaning you start at one end and finish at the other. Most hikers choose to walk from the Aorere Valley (near Golden Bay) and finish at Kohaihai (near Karamea), though it can be done in either direction.
If you are finishing or starting at the southern end, parking is available at the Kohaihai car park. This is located at the very end of Kohaihai Road, approximately 15 kilometres north of the small township of Karamea. The drive from Karamea to the trailhead is scenic but narrow in places, so take your time.
Because this is a point-to-point track, you will need to arrange transport. There are several shuttle services operating in the region that can move you (and sometimes your car) between the Brown Hut (Golden Bay) and Kohaihai (West Coast) ends of the track.
Kahurangi National Park is a stronghold for some of New Zealand’s most precious native species. As you move through the different ecosystems, keep your ears and eyes open.
The Heaphy Track is technically open year-round, but your experience will change significantly depending on when you go.
Note: Due to the length, duration, and challenging terrain, this track is generally not recommended for young children or dogs.
The Heaphy Track is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through time. To the local Māori, this area was part of an extensive network of trails used to reach the pounamu sources of the West Coast. The spiritual significance of the land is immense, and you can feel that ancient energy as you walk through the beech forests.
In the 19th century, the area saw a flurry of activity from European explorers and gold prospectors. The track is named after Charles Heaphy, an explorer who, along with Māori guide Kehu, was among the first Europeans to traverse the coast in the 1840s.
Today, the track is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s conservation efforts. The Department of Conservation (DOC) works tirelessly here to protect the habitat of the Great Spotted Kiwi and the Powelliphanta snails. Walking this track is a privilege that allows us to see what New Zealand looked like before human arrival.
Once you emerge from the bush at Kohaihai, your first instinct will likely be to find a cold drink and a hearty meal. Head 15 kilometres south into the township of Karamea, a town known for its laid-back vibe and "end of the road" charm.
The Heaphy Track is a true bucket-list item. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the transition from the alpine heights to the palm-fringed coast will stay with you long after the mud has been washed off your boots.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Porphyrio hochstetteri
Large flightless bird once thought extinct. Now found in sanctuaries and Fiordland. Distinctive blue-green plumage and red bill.
Best time: Year-round
15km away
A traditional pub in Karamea, offering drinks and meals in a relaxed, local atmosphere, a good spot for a post-hike refreshment. Details about specific offerings might vary.
15km away
While primarily an information centre, it's a hub in Karamea and often has a small cafe or coffee stand, and can provide guidance on other local eateries.