What to take
The Heaphy Track traverses a range of landscapes from exposed alpine tussock downs to coastal forest. To cope with the varied conditions you need a range of equipment for warm, cold, windy or wet conditions. You will need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. Cotton clothing, such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, is not suitable. Wool and modern synthetics are better as they dry quickly and give more warmth.
Trampers in the rain near Saxon Hut
Personal equipment
- boots (must be comfortable and well broken in)
- socks (wool/synthetic—2 pairs)
- shorts (cotton/nylon)
- shirt (wool/synthetic)
- long johns/trousers (wool/synthetic)
- jersey/jacket (wool/polar fleece)
- undershirts/T-shirt (wool/synthetic)
- sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- mittens/gloves and hat (wool/synthetic)
- raincoat (waterproof and windproof with hood)
- extra socks, underwear, shirt or lightweight jersey
- pack with large waterproof/plastic liner
- Hut or Camp Accommodation Ticket
- map and Heaphy Track booklet
- sleeping bag (good quality down or Hollofil®)
- tent and sleeping mat (for campers)
- matches/lighter (in waterproof container)
- torch and spare batteries
- candles
- drink bottle
- cooking stove and spare fuel (for campers or huts without gas)
- cooking utensils: pot/pan/billy, pot scrubber
- eating utensils: knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup
- first aid kit: insect repellent, personal medication (e.g. antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings)
- toilet gear: toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, small towel, soap
- earplugs (optional—you will be sharing huts and/or campsites with other people)
Food
Food should be lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value, e.g.
- breakfast: cereal, firm bread, spreads
- lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami
- dinner: instant soup, pasta/rice, dried vegetables/fruit, cheese or dehydrated meals
Take a spare day’s food in case of delay due to flooded creeks.
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