Heaphy Track
The longest Great Walk, crossing diverse landscapes from Nelson to the wild West Coast.
Distance
78.4 km
Duration
4–6 days
Region
Kahurangi National Park
Island
South Island
Moderate — reasonable fitness required
Book Heaphy Track huts
Huts on the Heaphy Track must be booked in advance through DOC. Bookings open on 1 June for the upcoming Great Walk season (late October – late April). Popular huts sell out quickly.
Book on DOC.govt.nz →Heaphy Track huts and campsites
Hut stays
Heated huts with sleeping platforms, mattresses, cooking facilities and toilets. Staff are present during Great Walk season to check tickets and assist walkers.
From approx. NZD $28–90 per adult per night.
Campsite stays
Designated campsites along the track with toilets and water. Bring a tent, sleeping mat and cooking equipment. Cheaper than hut stays — ideal for those who prefer tenting.
Usually NZD $14–20 per adult per night.
Doing the Heaphy Track in winter (off-season)
Outside Great Walk season (May–October), huts revert to Standard category — no booking required, hut passes accepted, and fees are significantly lower. Conditions can be challenging (snow, wind, flooding). Check DOC for any seasonal closures before heading out.
What to bring on the Heaphy Track
- ✓Sleeping bag (liners available at some huts)
- ✓Trekking poles (recommended for alpine sections)
- ✓Rain jacket and warm layers
- ✓Insect repellent (sandflies are severe on West Coast walks)
- ✓Hut ticket or pre-paid booking confirmation
- ✓Water filter or purification tablets
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓First aid kit and blister care
🏔️ Browse all DOC Huts
Explore 990+ backcountry huts across New Zealand — categories, passes and booking.
⛺ DOC Campsites
Find 200+ conservation campsites near Kahurangi National Park and across New Zealand.
Other Great Walks
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Nelson-Tasman · 60 km
Routeburn Track
Fiordland / Mt Aspiring · 32 km
Milford Track
Fiordland · 53.5 km
Data source: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC). Not an official DOC website. Always verify information at doc.govt.nz.