Heaphy Track hiking trip
| country: | New Zealand | ||||
| location: | South Island, Kahurangi | ||||
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays | ||||
| departures: | Unlike most of the other Great Walks in New Zealand, the Heaphy can be walked 12 months of the year, with every season having something special to offer | ||||
| price: | From NZ $1,595 (6 days) excluding flights. Includes 5 days walking
| ||||
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
check out similar holiday ideas...
| Holiday Details |  4 reviews |
Heaphy Track hiking trip
'The Heaphy Track at 82km, is regarded as New Zealand's most diverse track. It contains more plant species than any other walk and passes through a large variety of habitat and scenery, ranging from lowland rain forest to sub alpine plateau down to palm fringed beaches. The track has an excellent surface and gradient, and is suitable for an average fitness level.
Rare birds may be seen, including Blue Duck, Kaka, and Fern bird. The Great Spotted Kiwi may be heard screeching on most nights. Clients will be expected to carry their own personal gear, guides will carry the bulk of equipment.
Accommodation will be in public huts with mattresses and heating . No electricity, but swimming spots are in several locations. All guides have an excellent knowledge of flora and fauna to pass on. The track can be walked at all times of the year, as the winter only brings a light coating of snow to the sub alpine area. We walk on 5 days and finish our trip on the morning of the 6th day.
Rare birds may be seen, including Blue Duck, Kaka, and Fern bird. The Great Spotted Kiwi may be heard screeching on most nights. Clients will be expected to carry their own personal gear, guides will carry the bulk of equipment.
Accommodation will be in public huts with mattresses and heating . No electricity, but swimming spots are in several locations. All guides have an excellent knowledge of flora and fauna to pass on. The track can be walked at all times of the year, as the winter only brings a light coating of snow to the sub alpine area. We walk on 5 days and finish our trip on the morning of the 6th day.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Scenic drive for 2 hours from Motueka to Golden Bay to start of track. A 16 kilometre hike on a well graded track to the sub alpine Perry Saddle hut, where we spend the first night. The track passes through a variety of forest types, reaching the highest point on the track at 910 metres. Possible climb of nearby Mount Perry, in evening, if desired. Total walking time approx. 6 1/2 hours. |
| Day 2: | Cross the Gouland Downs - a sub alpine pene plain. A leisurely day of 13 kilometres, taking in sights such as the Enchanted Forest, a limestone beech forest remnant with wonderful mossy rock formations and caves. The night to be spent at Saxon hut, where screeching Kiwi's will be heard. |
| Day 3: | The longest day at 24 kilometres, this is easy walking on undulating track for the first 12 kilometres, then 12 kilometres on an easy down hill gradient. The most dramatic change in the flora on the whole walk - from the sub alpine plateau to sub tropical looking rain forest. Night spent at Lewis hut on the Heaphy River. |
| Day 4: | The shortest walking day - only 8 kilometres down river through magnificent rain forest with huge limestone bluffs to emerge at the mouth of the Heaphy river at a beach with pounding surf. An early arrival at the Heaphy hut leaves time to explore the driftwood strewn beach and to swim in the nearby lagoon. |
| Day 5: | The final day is a 16 kilometre walk along a palm fringed wilderness coast line with pounding surf rolling in from the Tasman Sea. Beautiful beaches. From the track end we will take a 20 minute drive to the Karamea Village Hotel, where we will spend the night and enjoy reflecting on our 5-day journey over a lovely meal. |
| Day 6: | We return to Motueka, or Nelson via our own transport. This is a 5 1/2 hour drive via the very picturesque Buller Gorge. |
traveller reviews for Heaphy Track hiking trip
The most memorable part of the track was coming down from the tussock highlands along the Heaphy River, emerging out of the forest and seeing the beaches of The Tasman Sea. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
|
Our guides will be endeavouring to educate clients regarding the conservation importance of this area. For almost a century a controversial proposal to put a road through this area has surfaced from time to time. At this point in time, the issue has again surfaced and certain groups are lobbying for a road. It is our opinion that an area of such ecological diversity should be left intact for future generations and not destroyed in the name of so called progressive tourism. It is our goal to alert the international traveller to this prospect as we feel such a road would, in fact, destroy the uniqueness of the area. Contrary to a what a lot of New Zealanders feel, it would make a mockery of our so called 'Clean Green' image.
|
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
 Reviewed 10 Mar 2010 by Allan Justus |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the track was coming down from the tussock highlands along the Heaphy River, emerging out of the forest and seeing the beaches of The Tasman Sea. Our guides, Bill and Maryanne (as well as their support staff) were among the most congenial, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic I have encountered. They were well organized, prepared wholesome meals, and ensured there were places for all of us in the DOC huts. All of there staff had a great deal of information about the history, ecology, flora, and fauna of the rain forest which they shared whenever asked. They carried magnifying glasses fitted with lights so you could examine the very small mosses, and ferns with close up intensity.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pay attention to the information about what to bring before coming on the trip. Get what you need before the trip and have it with you. Good rain gear, broken in hiking boots, and lots of film (or extra batteries for digital) would be an excellent idea. Once you arrive in Motueka you may not have the time to sort out anything forgotten.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All of the staff, Bill, Maryanne, Nick and Andy were clearly committed to best conversation practices. I think that any time you choose a trip focused on minimal consumption of energy resources it benefits not only the local people, but the world. New Zealand is very progressive in contrast to the rest of the world in wisely using resources and protecting the environment. The tour operator business model is clearly in the forefront of the best conservation practices and enhancement of the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thought it was great, especially for fifty or even sixty something adults. I would think almost anyone from twelve to 65 in reasonable condition would enjoy this kind of an experience. Considering the hut accommodations, wholesome meals, snacks and tea breaks, superlative guides, final night at a historic pub and dinner, as well as shuttle back to Nelson the price was equitable. I like the tour operator philosophy, practices, preparation, and staff so I plan to come again and take their Mt. Owens trip. Given that I live in the US and have considerable airfare costs wanting to come back again should indicate my level of satisfaction with their services.
| Reviewed 23 Dec 2007 by Peter Ladd | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The variety of scenery and flora encountered over the duration of the 5 days of the walk.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Cater for all weather conditions. I only acquired wet weather gear for this trip and was so thankful that I did.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Having people go on this walk is assisting the conservation initiatives the tour operator and DOC are doing to eradicate introduced species.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great experience particularly with the tour operator passing on so much information about the geography, flora, fauna and history. Would have missed so much if I had done it independently.
| Reviewed 10 Mar 2007 by Wendy Grace | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a truly wonderful experience with many highlights, but seeing the rare Blue Duck close up in it's natural environment was very special. I also loved being in the company of people from around the World who were passionate about the environment.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would advise people doing this trip to pack lightly as advised by the operator because it is hard work carrying a heavy load up and down the hills.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The guides, Bill and Andy displayed excellent knowledge of both flora and fauna, history, geography and environmental issues. They encouraged us to participate in protecting the environment both locally and globally. They employ people locally and support local businesses. They are able to recommend other attractions that we could visit.
4. Any other comments?
I would give this trip a 4 star rating and will be traveling with this operator in the future. Many thanks to you all for helping me find this holiday.
| Reviewed 03 Apr 2005 by Dr Barbara Radcliffe | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I am particularly interested in botany and ecosystems. I was delighted to find that the guides were highly skilled in the interpretation of NZ plant communities, ecological interactions, and the relationships between flora and fauna (both native and exotic).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure that you organise your own breakfast on the first day. With a 6:30 am pickup, I assumed that some sort of breakfast would be provided. It was not.... If I had known this, I would have made appropriate arrangements.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Impacts on the environment were appropriately managed. The tour company contributes to the improvement of biodiversity in Kahurangi National Park. Taking part in the walk would assist them to carry out these activities.
4. Any other comments?
I will (and have already) recommend it to friends and colleagues. Please note that for a ***** rating I have to compare the experience to projects that I have undertaken, activities which have included radio tracking mountain lions (and patting one while under the influence of an anaesthetic) and counting elephant seals on the beach in the Falkland Islands).
check out similar holiday ideas...
responsiblevacation.com
iknowagreatplace.com
responsibletourismawards.com