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A short but stunning ride through lush, prehistoric rainforest and past spectacular limestone cliffs


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Singletrack

125' 38 m

High

0' 0 m

Low

441' 135 m

Up

480' 146 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

28%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Open for mountain bikes May 1st to September 30th only. No night riding. Maximum group size six. Hut bookings required in advance through doc.govt.nz/heaphytrack

Description

From Lewis Hut, the track crosses the Heaphy River, via the new 148.4-metre suspension bridge. The track continues for 8 km along the left bank to the river mouth through a forest of kahikatea, rimu, and rata and past limestone cliffs to the modern 32-bunk Heaphy Hut.

There is still one of the older swing bridges on this section of track. If the river is low, it is easier to get wet feet and ford the stream rather than struggle across the bridge with bike and gear.

Several massive ancient rata trees grace the track, and the regions iconic nikau palms become more prevalent as you approach the warmer West Coast. At the Heaphy Hut, the Heaphy River meets the Tasman with a turbulent clash of freshwater and salty sea.

Contacts

Local Club: MTB Trails Trust

Land Manager: Department of Conservation

Shared By:

Alan Eskrick

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#5249

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#66

in New Zealand

#5,249

Overall
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39 Since Aug 28, 2015
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Photos

Crossing the Gunner River in style
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ
The 148m Heaphy River suspension bridge
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ
Cheeky wekas will steal anything shiny that isn't tied down
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ
The new Heaphy Hut built to cope with the influx of mountain bikers when the track was opened for biking in 2012
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ

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