General Information

The 82 kilometres long Heaphy Track from Golden Bay in the north of the south island to the west coast township of Karamea, is one of New Zealand's Great Walks. It crosses a range of landscapes from passing tussock covered downs, lush forest, river flats, and the rugged and scenic West Coast. It is renowned as the ‘flora walk’ of New Zealand, with its large diversity and number of plant species that can be found in the Kahurangi National Park, which has more plant species than any other park in New Zealand. The nikau groves that tower the last part of the Heaphy Track to Karamea make it especially beautiful.

The Heaphy Track is a 5-day tramp and can be walked either way, but the preferable route is to walk from the Golden Bay end to Karamea. The track is not difficult, and is suitable for families and those with little experience.
The Heaphy can be walked 12 months of the year, with every season having something special to offer. Occasional rain can be expected at any time of the year so it is recommended that you carry clothing and equipment for all conditions. Make sure you carry plenty of insect repellent as mosquitoes and sandflies can be a problem. No dogs are allowed on the track and all rubbish must be taken with you.

Attractions

The Heaphy track starts in lowland forest (Golden Bay end), climbs through a variety of habitat to a sub-alpine plateau, and eventually finishes in coastal forest with the world's most southern palm trees fringing its beaches.

You will find many rare and endemic species along the track. All 5 species of southern hemisphere beech are found here. Huge podocarps and giant northern ratas dripping with perching orchids, Astelias, mosses and spleenworts galore are found in the lowland forest. A huge variety of alpine and sub alpine species, including Celmisias (mountain daisy), Dracophyllums, Gentians, and Bulbinellas can be found on the Gouland Downs. Ngaio, nikau, and Karaka are among the many tree species to be found along the coast.

Many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered species may be seen or heard on the Heaphy track. The more common birds seen are Robin, Tomtit, Brown Creeper, Pigeon,Rrifleman, Bellbird, Tui and Pipit. Also quite commonly seen are Kaka, Kakariki, Kea and Weka. The more rare birds to be seen include Fernbird, Falcon and Blue Duck. At night you will hear the distinct cry of the Morepork as well as the Great Spotted Kiwi across the Gouland Downs and sometimes in the western lowlands.
Black and Pied Shags, Oystercatchers, Terns, and a variety of gulls can be seen on the coast as well as native fur seals.

Deer, goats, possums and stoats may occasionally be seen. These introduced species are regarded as pests. New Zealand’s giant Powelliphanta land snails are quite common and are often seen. The largest of all New Zealand species is found on the Gouland Downs – Powelliphanta superba. The North West Nelson Giant Weta may possibly be seen.

Activities

Hunting is only permitted in certain areas. Permits must be sought from Department of Conservation (DOC) before any hunting takes place. No hunting is allowed on the Gouland Downs.

History

Māori were the first to use the track, as a pounamu (greenstone) trail, with evidence of moa hunters at the Heaphy River mouth, which dates back to the 16th century.

Charles Heaphy, an explorer, artist and soldier, along with Thomas Brunner and their Māori guides Kehu and Etau, were the first European to explore the Heaphy coast.
In 1893 with the discovery of gold on the West Coast and Golden Bay, the Europeans completed the track to join the two districts together. When the gold rush ended, the well-graded and benched track became unused, except for the occasional tramper, botanist or hunter.
It remained this way until the 1960’s, when the track was rediscovered due to rising popularity of tramping with New Zealanders. The Forest Service built more huts and upgraded the track, to service the greater numbers of trampers using the track.