Heaphy Track New Zealand - Guided Hike |
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Classic Heaphy Track - 5½ days Nelson to Nelson |
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Our 5½ day Heaphy Track New Zealand Guided Hike in Kahurangi National Park is an all inclusive packages - starting and returning to Nelson. We walk the track from the north (Collingwood) end and finish 5½ days later at the Kohaihai River on the West Coast. We stay each night in Department of Conservation huts where your guides prepare a fantastic gourmet meal. On our way back to Nelson we spend a night in The Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud for a taste of well-deserved luxury; an ensuite and the option of a spa before we sit down to a restaurant meal. The following day we transfer back to Nelson, arriving around 11am, just in time for any connecting flights, or an opportunity to explore Nelson further. We have become known as the gourmet guided walk company, not only because of the high standard of food that is presented, (we cater for all dietary requirements) but also the personal, relaxed and friendly style of trips we orchestrate, with an emphasis on your comfort and enjoyment of the experience. Whether it is information on the flora and fauna, conservation gems along the way or just the great company of your group and guides. Depending on your preference, you can opt for the Classic Heaphy Track 4½ day or 5½ day option - the 5½ day tour splits one of the longer days in half and makes for an overall easier trip. Tour Grading: Medium
ItineraryDay 1 - Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (approx. 17.5km 5 Hours) Pick up at accommodation in Nelson 7am and travel to Brown Hut (beginning of the track) - briefings etc. The track gradually climbs through Podocarp and beech forest to Flanagan's Corner (your highest point on the track at 915m). Grand views of Aorere Valley can be seen with Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day. From here a gentle stroll on to Perry Saddle Hut, this is 880 metres above sea level and has bunk-style accommodation for 26. Day 2 - Perry Saddle Hut to Saxon Hut (approx. 12.4km 4 hours) This is an easier day with only 4 hours walking. The track passes through patches of beech forest before the wide expanse of the tussock covered Gouland Downs can be seen sprawling toward the West Coast. The track meanders down to Cave Brook, passing the famous 'boot pole' on which trampers have tied their old boots. Past a limestone outcrop, with caves and waterfalls, we continue on the flatter part of the Downs to Saxon Hut (16 bunks) - our accommodation for this evening. Day 3 - Saxon Hut to Lewis Hut (approx. 24.3 kms 7-8 hours) The track crosses the Saxon River flats, then onto the broad ridge between the Gouland and Mackay Downs, passing old poles marking the boundary between Nelson and the West Coast provinces. The vegetation varies between tussock and shrub fringed beech forest with glimpses of the ocean in the distance. We stop at for lunch today at Mackay Hut. Beautiful views down to the Heaphy River mouth reward us here, before we set off again. The track descends gradually to the Heaphy River through beech and sub-tropical Podocarp forest to the Lewis Hut our destination for the evening. Day 4 - Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut (approx. 8km/2.5 hours) Today is another shorter walk; from here the track meanders along the banks of the Heaphy River, passing giant Rata, and Kahikatea trees. The 20 bunk Heaphy Hut, our accommodation for the evening, is situated close to both river and sea. This is a truly magical spot. Day 5 - Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (approx. 16.2km - 5 hours) Walk from the Heaphy Hut along a coastline studded with Nikau groves to the track's end at the Kohaihai River. Some beach walking is possible at low tide. This is a spectacular coastal walk -one of NZ's best day walks - to complete your Heaphy adventure. Our van meets you at the Kohaihai River mouth where we transfer you to the stunning Nelson Lakes National Park (around 3 hours drive) and our overnight accommodation at the Alpine Lodge. Accommodation: The Alpine Lodge at St Arnaud - hotel-style accommodation and restaurant dining. Day 6 - Transfers Enjoy final breakfast with group before transferring to Nelson. Arriving Nelson around lunchtime to connect with flights or deliver to accommodation. NOTE: The accommodation on the track is Department of Conservation huts - these are comfortable but must be shared with other walkers. Guests carry their own pack containing clothing and bedding plus own snack pack and utensils (last two items supplied). Guides carry all food and cooking utensils. |
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