Short answer: The Heaphy Track is a 78.4 km Great Walk in Kahurangi National Park, between Golden Bay and Karamea. It is open to mountain bikes from 1 May to 30 November, in groups of no more than six riders. Explera DMC New Zealand plans the huts, transfers and guides for walking and riding groups.
This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators who sell the top of the South Island. The track is not a loop, so the transfers matter as much as the huts.
What is the Heaphy Track?
- Distance. DOC lists the track at 78.4 km, maintained to Great Walk standard.
- Huts. There are six huts: Brown, Perry Saddle, Gouland Downs, Saxon, James Mackay and Heaphy, plus nine campsites.
- Two ends. Brown Hut is at the end of Aorere Valley Road in Golden Bay, 156 km from Nelson. Kohaihai is on the West Coast, 110 km from Westport.
- Free entry. Day walks and entry to Kahurangi National Park are free. Only huts and campsites are charged.
What do groups need to book?
- Huts and campsites. All huts and campsites must be booked in advance, all year.
- Fees. DOC charges per person, per night for huts and campsites, and international visitors pay a higher rate from 1 October to 30 April. We confirm the season's rates when we quote.
- Transfers. Groups need a transfer back or a one-way plan. Air New Zealand flies to Nelson and Sounds Air to Westport, and some transport businesses do not run in winter.
Can groups ride the Heaphy?
- The season. Mountain bikes are allowed from 1 May to 30 November.
- Group size. Mountain bike groups can have no more than six riders, so larger groups ride in separate parties.
- Daylight only. Riding is allowed in both directions from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Night riding and e-bikes are not permitted.
- Time needed. DOC describes the Heaphy as a two- to three-day ride, depending on the riders' experience.
What else is happening in Kahurangi?
On 15 September 2026 DOC reported that an aerial predator control operation over about 73,846 hectares of the Cobb Valley and Wharepapa / Mount Arthur area had brought rodent numbers close to undetectable. The operation aimed to protect great spotted kiwi, whio, kea, kākā and giant snails. Guides can share this with clients.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan Great Walks and guided walking and cycling and rail trails for travel agents and tour operators. See our Golden Bay page, our Westport and Karamea page, our Abel Tasman briefing and our DOC backcountry huts briefing.
FAQ
How long is the Heaphy Track? DOC lists it at 78.4 km.
When can groups mountain bike the Heaphy? From 1 May to 30 November.
How many riders can be in one group? No more than six.
Do groups need to book huts? Yes. All huts and campsites must be booked in advance, all year.
Where does the track start and finish? At Brown Hut in Golden Bay and at Kohaihai on the West Coast. It is not a loop.
Sources
- Heaphy Track, Department of Conservation, checked 24 October 2026
- Clear traplines after successful predator control operation, Department of Conservation, 15 September 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
