The Great Heaphy Track of New Zealand

If you want a real hiking challenge in the majestic New Zealand South Island landscape, then head out to the Kahurangi National Park, where the Heaphy Track is waiting for the most adventurous tourists. Heaphy is included in the list of the nine Great Walks in New Zealand. A number of hikers even consider it the greatest of the tracks dues to its incredible diversity. Unlike the other Great Walks, Heaphy has the advantage of staying open throughout the year. Although the track is understandably more frequented during summer, hiking it during the winter season can very well be a wondrous experience. With the trail being less busy and sandflies nonexistent, you can enjoy a more serene and relaxed atmosphere. Tackling this wide track means covering approximately 82 kilometers, which starts in the northern section of Kahurangi, where thick beech forest loom. The track then leads you to some of the South Island's most wonderful scenery including the Aorere Valley. Finally, Heaphy perfectly ends on the West Coast, home to the park's gorgeous palm-adorned beaches. The Heaphy Track not only requires you to walk, it also involves some tramping (hill walking). By doing so, expect to spot natural habitats of the country's most prominent native birds, which are pipits, kea parrots, screeching kaka, blue ducks and even kiwis. You will also be exposed to various geological formations like alpine tussock country, limestone cliffs and caves and densely forested mountains. If you have made the necessary preparations and meet the medium fitness level, you can finished the track in five to six days. Before reaching the wild Tasman coast on your way to Karamea, you will need to walk into a luscious rainforest and nikau palm groves. If you are really up for some serious challenge, you could also walk the track both ways. This means staying overnight at the Perry Saddle Hut (at Collingwood); or the Lewis Hut or Heaphy Hut (Karamea end) before heading back. However, the majority of trekkers cover the track only one way beginning their journey at Collingwood and ending it in Karamea. To provide respite to your hiking journey through Heaphy, several benches and huts are set up along the trail. Most of these huts, which are built by the Department of Conservation, are equipped with gas cooking facilities. Some of these spots also have a camping area. Kids aged 17 and below can use the huts for free! The closest airports to the Heaphy Track are situated in the towns of Nelson and Westport. If tackling the entire Heaphy Track sounds intimidating, to difficult or to long, you can also opt for the shorter day walks on the trail. The short trails can be found at both ends of Heaphy. The final section of the track, which is Karamea, is one of the ideal places to do your short walk. The trail here allows you to walk along the rugged coastline dotted by tranquil sandy beaches. One particular destination in Karamea is Scotts Beach, which has become really popular among hikers because of its barbecue areas, picnic tables and camping sites. [http://yourbesttraveler.com] TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE TRAVEL Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9191285