Last Updated: 29th May 2024

Experienced

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Heaphy East to West

Collingwood, Tasman

Submitted by Steve Beatson

Last Updated: 29th May 2024

Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 88 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

78.4km

Length of run

1620m

Total Ascent

1725m

Total Descent

931m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Coastal

Riverside

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

80%

20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.8%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

12.00:00

Moderate

8.00

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Well signposted, track fairly easy going overall, a bit stony in places but nothing tricky. Coastal and boggy parts can get flooded after big rains, prone to mist / fog through the mountain section between Perry Saddle and Mackay huts. All big and medium rivers / streams are bridged, no need to carry much water since streams are everywhere (and sandflies!). Huts or shelters are 7 - 14 km apart, but overnight stays need to be booked with DOC (as per Great Walk). Don't forget your rain gear, this is the West Coast! Keep eyes peeled for takahe!

Great variety makes things interesting: beech forest, tussock downs, temperate rainforest with nikau etc, wild West Coast beaches. Good chance of seeing takahe. Kiwi to hear and, if lucky, see at night,

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Plenty of car parking at each end, which are 450km apart! Arranging a car swap or one of several car relocation services are options. Is a bus from Takaka to start of track and also options to fly back to the start.

Distance from Collingwood:

37 km

Driving time from Collingwood:

34 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Well signposted along the entire length.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Availability of Water:

Plenty of water - huts / shelters approx 7 - 14 km apart. Plus plenty of streams.

Seasonality Issues:

It is the West Coast, so can get very wet at any time of the year. Can snow in winter.

Hazards:

DOC advise that sections Saxon Hut to James Mackay Hut can be affected by heavy rain, a section from Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut (following the Heaphy River) can flood during heavy rain and big tides, and that sections from Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai road end can be affected by high tides.

Vinnie's Cafe
Karamea
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Caterer/Vinnies-cafe-1311568395570289/
Laid back friendly place for a coffee and cooked breakfast while talking about the previous day's adventures on the Heaphy. Is a bit hard to spot, but located next to the Four Square .

Riverstone Motels
Karamea - just across the bridge out of town to the south.
https://riverstonekaramea.co.nz/
Open air spa pool to soak in after the big day on the track. Modern accommodation and great hosts.

Trail Legend