Heaphy Track
~4 days · 45.5 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Heaphy Track is known for
The longest of New Zealand's Great Walks, crossing Kahurangi's tussock downs and nikau palm coast from Golden Bay to the wild Tasman shore at Kohaihai.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 43 ft to 2,995 ft over 45.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 12.1 mi · 27%
- Downhill 13.7 mi · 30%
- Flat 19.8 mi · 43%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Heaphy Track?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Heaphy Track scores 31/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Heaphy Track take?
Most backpackers hike the Heaphy Track in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 45.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Heaphy Track?
The Heaphy Track climbs roughly 8,842 ft total — about 194 ft per mile, topping out near 3,081 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.