The Heaphy is the longest of New Zealand’s Great Walks — a 78.4 km, 4–6 day traverse of Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island, linking Golden Bay with the West Coast. What makes it special is the sheer variety: alpine tussock downs, ancient forest, and a wild, palm-fringed coastline that feels almost tropical (until the sandflies remind you where you are).
The basics
- Distance: 78.4 km, 4–6 days, one-way.
- Difficulty: Intermediate; long but well-graded.
- Logistics: The two ends (near Collingwood and near Karamea) are very far apart by road, so plan transport carefully — many people fly a small plane back or arrange a long shuttle.
Booking & season
Great Walks season runs roughly late October to April. Book through DOC — 2026/27 bookings opened 20 May 2026. In winter the Heaphy uniquely opens to mountain biking (a fantastic multi-day ride).
Why hike it
- Diversity: Few walks change scenery this dramatically.
- Nīkau palm coastline: The final stretch along the West Coast is unforgettable.
- Quieter: Less of a booking frenzy than the Fiordland tracks.
What to bring
Layers, rain gear, boots, food, and serious sandfly repellent for the coast. Check DOC alerts before you go.
A Campervanz van works well for the Golden Bay end — sort your return transport in advance.
