How do I get from Nelson to the Heaphy Track start?

Gravity Nelson provides a direct shuttle to the Brown Hut carpark, the official Golden Bay starting point.

Do I need to pre-book huts along the Heaphy Track?

Yes, booking huts ahead is strongly recommended to secure your accommodations during your trek.

What is the best time of year to hike the Heaphy Track?

Summer offers the most reliable weather and longer days, but spring and autumn can be quieter and equally rewarding.

Is the Heaphy Track suitable for beginners?

While accessible to many, it requires good fitness and preparation due to length and varied terrain.

Are there water sources along the Heaphy Track?

Yes, there are streams and rivers regularly along the trail, but always purify water before drinking.

Can I hike the track in both directions?

Yes, the track is bidirectional, though some prefer starting from Golden Bay for its coastal scenery.

Heaphy Track Start with Gravity Nelson in Golden Bay | Guided Tour

The Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s legendary Great Walks, offers an immersive journey through some of the country's most diverse and striking landscapes. Gravity Nelson specializes in kickstarting this adventure with their Golden Bay start transfer, a practical yet scenic gateway from Nelson city to the trail’s iconic Brown Hut carpark. This transfer carves through the rich farmland and ancient native forests of Golden Bay, a region famed for its rugged coastline, expansive estuaries, and wildlife-rich environments in New Zealand's South Island.

Golden Bay sets the tone with its varied geology — from limestone cliffs to sweeping sandy beaches — and the trail itself traces dramatic coastal escarpments alongside dense beech forests and wild rivers. Beginning your trek here connects you to the natural theater of kauri trees and rare bird species such as the kaka and the South Island robin. Brown Hut is a foundational stop along the Heaphy, providing access to both the coast and the inland track sections.

Gravity Nelson’s role is more than just transport; they provide a seamless transition into this remote wilderness, allowing you to focus on the trail itself. Their transfers are a gateway to wild New Zealand, bridging urban comfort and frontier isolation. The Heaphy Track demands respect with its variable weather and terrain, but its rewards are spectacular vistas over the Tasman Sea and dense native bush that tell stories of geological time and Maori heritage.

For travelers venturing from Nelson, this service simplifies logistics and sets you up efficiently for the Great Walk experience. Gravity Nelson's local expertise and attention to detail make them a standout within the region’s outdoor adventure scene — ideal for first-timers or seasoned trekkers aiming to immerse themselves fully in one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails.