Kohaihai - swing bridge
Image: Laura Honey | Creative Commons

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.

Media releases

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