Heaphy Track recovery work
Introduction
In February 2022 severe storms damaged bridges and sections of track on the Heaphy Track Great Walk. A section of the track between the Lewis Shelter and Heaphy Hut remains closed.Walking the Heaphy Track from 19 October 2023
The track will reopen as a through route with a new bridge across the Heaphy River.
Temporary unbridged crossing – Lewis River
Due to the re-routing of the track, it will be necessary to ford the Lewis River until mid-December when the Lewis River Bridge will be finished. In normal flow this is an ankle-deep crossing approximately 5 metres wide.
During this period, DOC staff will be onsite to assess river conditions and provide guidance to track users. If the river becomes unsafe to cross DOC staff will give advice and take the necessary action to keep everyone safe. How to cross rivers safely
Walking the Heaphy Track up to 19 October 2023
Heaphy Track is open at either end and all huts are open and bookable.
However the the track is closed between Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut because of severe damage to three bridges caused by storms in February 2022. Helicopter transfers are available over this section for walkers and bikers to complete the entire track.
Repair update newsletter
Updates on the progress of repairs can be found in our regular newsletter. To subscribe use the subscription button at the end of the most recent newsletter.
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #14 28 September 2023
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #13 4 August 2023
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #12 29 May 2023
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #11 30 March 2023
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #10 19 December 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #9 17 October 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #8 25 August 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #7 8 July 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #6 30 May 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #5 3 May 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #4 8 April 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #3 (PDF, 571K) 23 March 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #2 (PDF, 417K) 9 March 2022
- Heaphy Track Repair Update #1 (PDF, 700K) 3 March 2022
Media releases
- Heaphy Bridge salvage starting – 4 March 2022
- Heaphy Track damage update – 22 February 2022
- Partial closure of Heaphy Track extended – 10 February 2022
- Severe storm damage to Heaphy Track – 9 February 2022