Heaphy Track

Bainham, 30km south of Collingwood, is the starting point of the famous Heaphy Track, named after the explorer and surveyor Charles Heaphy. The walk (78 km; 4-5 days) runs through the dense primeval forests of the Northwest Nelson Forest Park and along the west coast, with magnificent views, particularly on the west coast, and ends at Karamea. The track follows an old Maori route to the deposits of greenstone on the coast, later used by gold prospectors.

The walk is facilitated by slender suspension bridges spanning gorges overgrown with ferns and huts providing overnight accommodation.

Walkers can return on the Heaphy air taxi. Information and vouchers for accommodation in huts are available from the Department of Conservation offices in Takaka and Nelson. All-weather clothing and walking boots are essential. The track is not difficult, though it climbs to 900m.