Heaphy Track Heli Hike – Kahurangi National Park

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The Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s classic walks, with a wide variety of landscapes and vegetation. The Heaphy Track heli hike offers those with limited time to experience the dense subtropical forest of the Northwest of Nelsons Kahurangi National Park, with an abundance of rata, karaka, mahoe and flax along the Heaphy river and its peaceful lagoon, and the splendid isolation of the wild surf and golden sand beaches along the coastline to Karamea.

The Heaphy Track Heli Hike is fully guided with gourmet morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

The 30 minute helicopter journey from Motueka to near the Lewis Hut on the Heaphy track will pass through some of the most magnificent and remote peaks in the National Park, crossing over the Takaka Valley, Mt Snowdon, Lonely Lake, Anatoki peak, the Dragons Teeth, Adelaide tarn and Mt Olympus, a location of the Lord of the Rings film.

The amount of walking is flexible and can be shortened to suit with the full day walk being an 8 kilometre walk through stunning vegetation alongside the Heaphy river to the Heaphy hut, then 16 kilometres along the rugged coastline to the Karamea end of the Heaphy track. The track is wide, flat and easygoing along most of its length. We take the day to hike the distance, enjoying stops along the way to appreciate this remote scenic landscape.

Physical Expectation
The track is wide, well maintained and flat along most of its length, with some optional beach walking. If you are doing the full walk it is however a 24 kilometre hike, and you are likely to enjoy it more if you are used to walking and are reasonably fit. We do take the day at the pace that suits you, with plenty of stops to enjoy the view. If you are just wanting to enjoy shorter sections of the track a lower level of fitness is ok.

What you’ll need
This is a wilderness trip and despite the fact that it is at sea level the weather can change suddenly so suitable warm clothing is necessary. On this trip comfortable and well worn in footwear is essential. Because the track surface is excellent, trainers/ running shoes or light walking boots/ shoes are best. We provide daypacks and walking poles. We also provide snacks, drinks and a delicious lunch. If you have special preferences such as vegetarian or non dairy, please advise us prior to your trip. We will collect you from your accommodation.

Trip size
2 – 4 people. Larger groups by arrangement.