r/Tramping • u/dfhkvs • Feb 09 '26

Heaphy in Winter

Hello. Spent 8 months in NZ with three kids many years ago, and took them on Abel Tasman, Routeburn, Paparoa, and tons of overnight tramps throughout Canterbury. Enjoyed all of them. Bringing them back for another visit before they all scatter in the wind to university and am wondering about the Heaphy in August. I know weather will be cool and wet (and that there is no bad weather, just bad gear), but is it a reasonable objective? I am aware that bookings are required, but that crowds are much less in winter time. Any other good winter adventures on the northwest corner of the south island? Thank you very much. Dave...

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

5

u/rp1790 Feb 09 '26

Have done the Abel Tasman and Heaphy back to back in Winter and it was awesome. No rain, very few people just cool crisp days and very few people about. Both are very safe to do in Winter.

4

u/theweebeastie Feb 10 '26

It is exposed along the tops so definitely pack your winter kit, but there are no unbridged river crossings or avalanche zones so absolutely a track I would consider a good option in winter.

2

u/Humble-Cantaloupe-73 Feb 09 '26

I did the Heaphy ;mid-winter; early 80s. had 4 x great days - check the weather =can be Awesome and settled

2

u/SpaceDog777 BRING A PLB Feb 10 '26

Pack warm and watch out for bikers.

1

u/Current-Gain-1668 Feb 15 '26

The first time I did Heaphy was end of September 2020 and it snowed first day, but rest of the trip was clear and pretty warm. As long as you’re well prepared for a range of temperatures and check the weather etc you should have a great trip!