Heaphy Track very popular

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32972, 19 July 1972, Page 22

Heaphy Track very popular

More and more holidaymakers head for Nelson each year to make a link with the West Coast. Similarly, a lot head for the West Coast, Karamea in particular, to go to Nelson. This two-way traffic between the two towns, Collingwood on the western side and Karamea on the West Coast, requires no road—just the track named after Charles Heaphy, draughtsman-artist to the New Zealand Company and early explorer of the area. Just as many of the country’s roads become jammed at peak hours, so too is the Heaphy Track becoming jammed by walkers in the summer months. Several thousand walkers tramped the 43 miles between the Heaphy Hut to Koihaihai last summer and indications are that the numbers will increase this year.

The track connects the Aorere Valley with the West Coast and was first used by the Maoris. Later it fell into disuse but in the 1880 s was surveyed and graded. Before 1930 it was suitable for pack horses but is now only a walking track. It lies within the northern boundary of the North West State Forest Park and is maintained in good condition.

Four cabins, available to walkers, are sited beside the track at regular intervals. Last summer, with upwards of 100 walkers on the track at the one time, the cabin accommodation was badly strained and the Forest Service recommends that in

future walkers travel “selfcontained” — equipped with billy, sleeping bag and a small tent for shelter in case the cabins are full. The service also recommends that all walkers should be adequately shod — with boots or good walking shoes — a change of warm clothing and a parka. It is a high rainfall area and downpours can be sudden and heavy.