Early start to a brilliant Friday morning, first step then many others, barefoot.
17 Km of coastal subtropical paradise, part of the 82 KM traverse, featuring stunning limestone formations, Nikau Palm trees, rugged west coast beaches , 3 to 5 hours undulating trail to the first Hut of 32 bunks, solar led lighting, gas hobs, wood fire heater and indoor plumbing. Heaphy. Luxury.
Next day we wandered up to Lewis Hut to see the new bridge, amazing single span over the Heaphy River to 2 minute walk to the hut. ( next tramp this is our first stop ) 2 hours.
Had lunch and returned to Heaphy Hut for a rest.
Next morning in search of Kiwi, heading home to Karamea on the well worn path of the Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park NZ, an adventure for all.
Stunning meals were prepared and consumed , a few luxuries on this trip, a shakedown to tramping cuisine, lighter packs are the answer ... freeze dried meals are light weight and recharge the body, as is home made muesli bars, and dried fruit.
Three in our party as we ascended the Kohaihai Saddle to descend onto Scotts Beach, onto white sandy beaches and locate the track by orange triangles, a few swing bridges and wet crossings, to reach Heaphy Hut 2012 real New Zealand great walk.
The terrain changes day by day. Easy to Moderate.
Heaphy can also be mountain biked from May 1st until September 30th
Summer is hot, winter is cooler and less sandflies
Next week we ascend to James Mackay Hut, over looking the coast and river mouth.
