Conquer the Heaphy Track: An Epic Mountain Bike Adventure

The Heaphy Track, a legendary New Zealand Great Walk, transforms into a "Great Ride" between 1 May and 30 November each year. This 79km stretch of well-graded single-track, interspersed with some more technical sections, offers a sensational multi-day mountain biking experience through breathtaking scenery.

The route traverses Kahurangi National Park, connecting Golden Bay to the far north of the West Coast – a distance of 450km by road.

Contents

Heaphy Track: Mountain Biking Information
3 Transport Options
Daily Stages (Approximate Distances & Elevations):

The Kahurangi National Park is a truly enormous area of jagged mountains, fast flowing rivers and dense forest. This great wilderness stretches all the way from beech forest and great areas of rolling tussock-land dotted with caves to the primeval west coast of the South Island with its deserted beaches and stands of ancient nikau palms. The Heaphy Track takes you on a journey through all of this incredible terrain.

Long climbs and some steep, rutted descents make this ride challenging in places and recommended for experienced riders with a decent level of fitness. Accommodation on the trail is in some of the most comfortable Department of Conservation Huts that you will find in NZ. Excellent transportation options include flying, shuttles and vehicle relocations.

Heaphy Track: Mountain Biking Information

The Department of Conservation (DOC) provides the following information for mountain bikers on the Heaphy Track:

Season: Mountain biking is permitted on the track from 1 May to 30 November only.
Hours: Riding is allowed during daylight hours only (from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset) to protect nocturnal wildlife.
Skill Level: The track is suited to riders with advanced skills (Grade 4 on the DOC MTB grading system). This can increase to expert level (Grade 5) when considering the distance, remoteness, and technical challenges presented by wet and/or cold weather conditions. You can find more information about DOC's mountain bike grading system here: www.doc.govt.nz/mtb-grades
Sharing the Track: Walkers and mountain bikers share the track during the mountain biking season. Be mindful of others and follow proper etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

3 Transport Options

1. Nelson-Based Transport:

Riders launching their Heaphy adventure from Nelson can take advantage of Golden Bay Air's daily Nelson-based Heaphy Track transport.

Experience the convenience of our all-inclusive package:
- Pickup from your accommodation in Nelson or Nelson Airport.
- Shuttle to Brown Hut (start of the track).
- Shuttle from Kohaihai (end of the track) to Karamea Aerodrome.
- Scenic flight back to Nelson.
- Bike transport included.
Note: A minimum of two fares may apply. Solo riders can join existing shuttles or pay the two-fare minimum with a partial refund available if others book.
Book your adventure: Search online for single fares, but to book flights and shuttles with bike freight, please contact Golden Bay Air directly.

2. For riders starting from Kohaihai:

Take advantage of our flight fare specials for the Kohaihai to Brown Hut journey.

Golden Bay Air simplifies your journey with convenient air and shuttle services. They offer daily scheduled flights and shuttles from Wellington, Takaka, Nelson, and Karamea to both the Brown Hut (Golden Bay) and Kohaihai (West Coast) ends of the track. This flexibility allows you to ride the track in either direction and break your journey at any point to explore charming towns like Takaka and Karamea.

3. A vehicle at each end:

A third option which independent riders have done is where a group starts from each end and swaps car keys when they meet on the track ensuring that there is a vehicle capable of transporting a bike at each end.

Daily Stages (Approximate Distances & Elevations):

Day 1: Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut (17.5km, significant elevation gain of 960m - make sure you dont start the track too late in the day )
Day 2: Perry Saddle Hut to James Mackay Hut (24.2km, rolling with some climbs and descents)
Day 3: James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut (20.5km, significant descent with some climbs)
Day 4: Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (16.2km, moderate climbs and descents with some technical sections)

Daily Itinerary

Day 1:

The Heaphy Track's first day is a challenging ascent. Begin with a gradual climb along a historic survey route, rewarded by panoramic views at Aorere Shelter, including glimpses of Mt Taranaki on clear days. A more demanding climb leads to Flanagans Corner, the highest point at 915m. Shortly after, reach the modern Perry Saddle Hut for your first night. Near the hut, Gorge Creek offers a refreshing (if chilly) swimming hole.

Day 2:

Day two offers a dramatic shift. Leaving Perry Saddle, the landscape opens onto the vast Gouland Downs, a tussock-covered plateau. Traverse limestone outcrops and ancient cave arches, the pink granite crunching beneath your wheels. At James Mackay Hut, breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and the Heaphy River mouth unfold 750 meters below. (Note it is possible to do the track in 2 nights / 3 days by combining day 2 and 3 inceasing the ride to 45km.

Day 3:

The descent begins, plunging into dense West Coast rainforest. Cross the mighty Heaphy River on a thrilling 148.4-meter suspension bridge. As you near the coast, nikau palms appear and the roar of the ocean intensifies. Finally, reach the sheltered haven of Heaphy Hut for your last night on the trail.

Day 4:

The Heaphy River mouth is an exhilarating place of surging waves and tide - definitely not the place for a swim though. Heading south along this spectacular and wild coastline you pass though forest of rata, karaka trees, vines and groves of nikau palms. Scotts Beach is a good spot to rest before climbing over Kohaihai Saddle and down to Kohaihai carpark. From here depending on which transport options you have chosen - either a private vehicle, shuttle or scenic flight.