Heaphy Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

A full Kahurangi crossing from Golden Bay to the West Coast, with a dated tidal slip diversion requiring special attention.

Cross a changing landscape

The Heaphy connects Brown Hut in Golden Bay with Kohaihai on the West Coast, crossing tussock country before reaching coastal forest. This is an end-to-end journey, not a loop back to the starting vehicle. Choose it when the crossing itself is the purpose of the trip, with enough spare time to enjoy the contrast between the inland and coastal sections.

Resolve the coastal diversion first

At the research date, a landslip near Crayfish Point changes the coastal passage. The dated notice in the alerts takes precedence over older descriptions of an all-tide high-level track. Recheck that notice before fixing the final day's timing. A calculated tidal window is only one part of the decision; it is not permission to continue through threatening surf or a barrier.

Build a workable overnight sequence

Huts and campsites need advance reservations all year. Compare your intended stages with the whole group's loaded-pack pace, and arrange transport at both ends before departure. Keep each reservation and pickup address in one offline note. It is easier to spot a mismatch in a simple day-by-day list than across several separate booking emails while already travelling to the trailhead.

Carry a margin through the trip

DOC warns that rain can rapidly change stream crossings, and exposed sections may experience snow or wind. Agree beforehand how the party will respond to a delayed day, including who will notify transport providers. Avoid treating the final pickup as a deadline that must be met at any cost. Revisit food, clothing and communication arrangements whenever the itinerary changes materially.

Read the official track description and notices immediately before travelling. The source-check date is not a live access or safety report.