Heaphy Track - NZ's wildest single track
The Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track is among New Zealand's 10 Great Walks. This age-old Māori pathway winds its way through rolling tussock fields, delves into verdant forests, passes under the shade of nikau palms, and continues onward to the thunderous waves of the West Coast.
Breathtaking wilderness
Diverse landscapes and wildlife
This renowned Great Walk doubles as an exceptional multi-day mountain biking trail, winding through the varied and sometimes otherworldly terrains of Kahurangi National Park.
New Zealand's longest and most diverse Great Walk is open to mountain bikers between May and November.
The trail spans nearly 80 km and follows the historic paths of Māori pounamu gatherers and gold prospectors between Golden Bay and the West Coast of the South Island.
This trail is a favourite among mountain biking enthusiasts. It starts with a climb to a vast, tussock-covered plateau surrounded by rugged mountains, then descends through lush forested river valleys to the wild West Coast beaches adorned with geometric nikau palms.
Along the way, bikers can encounter unique wildlife such as great-spotted kiwis, spiky wētā, long-legged spiders, and giant carnivorous snails. Man-made wonders include lofty suspension bridges and cosy Great Walk huts, perfect for meeting fellow adventurers.
The trail can be completed in two days, though a three-day journey allows for a deeper appreciation of the stunning environment. Staying at Saxon Hut on the first night and Heaphy Hut on the second splits the journey into manageable sections.
This challenging ride through remote wilderness is best suited for well-equipped, experienced riders with solid mechanical skills. The trail can be ridden in either direction, but the east-to-west route is most popular due to the initial climb. The 448 km road journey between trailheads takes about seven hours, but shuttle services or a scenic flight from Karamea to Golden Bay or Nelson offer convenient and memorable alternatives.
