Tracks

Washing up at Twin Beach (by Katipo Creek).

Heaphy Track
Heaphy Track
Track 4 – 6 days. Easy. One way.
A classic crossing of the geologically and biologically diverse northwest corner of the South Island. The track is also open to mountain bikes May to September.
Heaphy Coastline
Heaphy Coastline
Track 1 – 2 days. Easy. Return via same track.
An easy overnighter along the palm-fringed coastline of the Heaphy Track.

Track grades

Easy
Unusually smooth, well-marked track, easy gradients. Up to about 4 hours per day.
Easy-medium
Typical lowland track. Generally easy walking and well marked. Ascents of up to 1000m. Some easy river crossings, unmarked travel along rivers.
Medium
Typical tops track. Experienced trampers only. Rough, muddy and poorly marked or unmarked. Ascents of up to 2000m. River crossings, open tops, passes. Up to about 8 hours per day.
Medium-hard
Navigation and snow skills (use of ice axe and crampons) required. Glaciers, exposure to falls.
Hard
Rough or non-existent tracks. Following ridges, bush spurs, and rivers. Steep ascents, arduous travel, hazardous conditions, snow and navigation skills essential.