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A gradual descent into richer West Coast bush with glimpses of the Heaphy River.


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.0

KM

Singletrack

2,295' 700 m

High

96' 29 m

Low

116' 35 m

Up

2,300' 701 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Open for mountain bikes May 1st to September 30th only. No night riding. Maximum group size six. Hut bookings required in advance through doc.govt.nz/heaphytrack

Description

Beyond James Mackay Hut, a gradual 12.5km descent to the Heaphy River begins. The track is through beech forest at first, but richer and taller forest typical of the West Coast become dominant.

There are some rough creek crossings which may be wiser to walk, but otherwise DOC have done a great job of reinstating the water tables, graveling the surface, and draining boggy sections.

Occasional tantalising glimpses of the Heaphy River are seen through the forest. The 20 bunk Lewis Hut appears at the junction of the Heaphy River with the smaller Lewis River, along with the first nikau palms.

Contacts

Local Club: MTB Trails Trust

Land Manager: Department of Conservation

Shared By:

Alan Eskrick

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#4

in South Island

#5104

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#4

in South Island

#64

in New Zealand

#5,104

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52 Since Aug 28, 2015
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Photos

Climbing the track from Lewis Hut to Mackay Hut through verdant West Coast bush
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ
Riding down from Mackay Hut to Lewis Hut
Aug 6, 2015 near Takaka, NZ

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