The Heaphy track is touted as one of the most diverse hikes in New Zealand. Usually the final night stay for people walking the trails, the Heaphy Hut provides a fantastic overnight alternative with the trail winding through the mature rainforest floors and alongside golden untouched beaches. Marvel at the limestone rock formations and the feeling of isolation a stay at this hut brings
Time to complete
2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Loop - Return via same track
Distance
33km
Difficulty
Easy-Medium
Bookings required
Yes, Great Walk
A stunning modern hut right on the beach
Loads of pristine untouched west coast beaches
See the native Nikau Palms lining the beaches
Walk across stunning suspension bridges
Wander through the old growth limestone forest nearby the hut
A smaller version of the 4-5 day Heaphy Track Great walk, this overnight adventure follows the pristine west coast coastline past a plethora of beautiful beaches, through tropical feeling forests and over dramatic swing bridges. The Heaphy Hut itself is a very modern and well equipped hut is set just up from the beach in a sheltered position away from some of the wild weather the coast can experience. Take a stroll on the magnificent beach right in front of the hut or just relax in the sun on the expansive deck outside of the Hut, it really feels like a slice of paradise here.
Track condition
-Well taken care of great walk quality trails the entire hike mostly flat with a few small climbs
Optionals
-The forest beyond Heaphy Hut change quite dramatically over a short distance and are highly recommended
-There is a glow worm cave about 1.5km beyond Heaphy Hut. see guide for details
Unlike the full Heaphy Track, this one starts and finishes at the same Carpark meaning you’ll avoid those expensive shuttle but you’ll also have to walk the same trail on the second day
Trail start/finish location: Kohaihai Campsite
-Huts:
The hut is modern and well equipped great walk standard hut with solar lighting and comfortable bunking
-Camping:
There is a large area for camping very close to the hut with its own shelter and toilets
-Booking:
Bookings required at all locations
-Back-country hut pass:
Cannot be used
The exposed nature of the tops mean that good rain gear and warm layers should be taken as a precaution even with good weather forecasted. Given the elevation a reasonably warm sleeping bag will be needed too, depending on the season.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible to hike this trail all year round
Department of conservation website | Kahurangi National Park Weather
16.5km | 4-5 Hours
4-5hr
The track follows the coastline from Kohaihai Shelter all the way to Heaphy Hut with a few small diversions up and down cliffs along the way. The entire track here is a high tide track so no special planning is required however it’s a good idea to budget in some extra time to check out the beaches along the way. It’s only 3-3.5 hours of actual walking.
Optional
-The forest the Heaphy hut there is a fantastic to wander through and very unique to this area (1hr return)
-About 1km beyond the Heaphy hut there is a small glow worm cave that can be explored so long as there hasn’t been recent rainfall. Crossing a small bridge looking up stream you will see the cave. (30min return)
16.5km | 4-5 Hours
4-5hr
The track back to the carpark follows the same one walked on day 1.
Perry Saddle Hut
Campsite at James Mackay Hut
A diverse landscape with pristine alpine lakes and several mountain passes to navigate
A great walk journey from alpine peaks to the sea
