The Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park is well-known for its diversity of landscapes and picturesque scenery.
Roughly 80 kilometres of well-formed walking track take trampers through beautiful beech forest, rolling tussock country, lovely native bush with impressive podocarps, and a wild coastal stretch dominated by magnificent groves of nikau palms.
On a recent trip I explored the western part, arguably the most beautiful section of the Heaphy Track.
One of the highlights was an encounter with the endangered Powelliphanta, a fascinating carnivorous land snail endemic to New Zealand.
Heaphy Track Slideshows
West Coast, Heaphy River, Mackay Downs, Gouland Downs
Photo Gallery
Heaphy Track, Nikau palm, Powelliphanta, New Zealand falcon
Info
Another striking feature along the coastal section were the nikau palms with their amazing flowers. Also in bloom were the southern rata, creating a crimson glow in the bush.
My first series of Heaphy Track photos portrays the West Coast and the Heaphy River sections. Photos of the remaining sections will follow in due course. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my photos and I look forward to your comments.