Heaphy Hut Out & Back

A good out and back to one of the seven great walk huts on the Heaphy track. Keep an eye out for lots of native birds such as Tui and Kereru in the trees as well as Hectors Dolphins in the water off the coast.

Starting at Kōhaihai campground, follow the signs to the start of the Heaphy Track. The track crosses across the Kōhaihai River along a large swing bridge before a graded climb up and over the Kōhaihai Saddle.

Descending from the saddle you reach Scotts Beach and Campsite before continuing northwards towards Crayfish Point for a photo opportunity. From here continue northwards through sections of beach and Nikau palm groves before arriving at Katipo Creek Campsite. You are now 1/4 of the way through the run.

After Katipo Creek Shelter you reach Nettle and Twenty Minute Beach where the track darts in and out of Nikau Groves. There is a very small climb out of twenty minute beach before a descending towards a bridge crossing an unnamed stream before arriving at Heaphy Beach.

After a short while a marker shows 1km to the hut where the track moves away from the beach and inland along a grassy track towards the Heaphy Hut. Heaphy Hut overlooks the Heaphy River mouth, which is an exciting place. The river surges out through a narrow gap into the sea - incoming waves halt the flow and the churning of salt and fresh waters is spectacular. Limestone cliffs and lush tropical forest with nikau palms surround the area.

Retrace your steps southward back towards the Kōhaihai River Campsite to round off this out and back. Note it is dangerous to swim at both the Heaphy and Kōhaihai River Mouths due to extreme tidal currents and rips. There is a couple of small swim spots along the Kōhaihai River if you made a 'bush bash' detour off the track. Do be careful of stinging nettle present along the track in some areas.