Team Unicycle: L-R: Ken Looi, John Bradley, Bryan Page, Rachel Shaw and Sean Bennett Prepare for the Heaphy at Rongo Backpackers & Gallery in Karamea.

On a sunny May morning in Karamea, five unicyclists from Australia and New Zealand prepared for a world-first adventure…to traverse the Heaphy Track on unicycles. It is believed to be the first-ever unicycle team to attempt the riding of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s nine “Great Walks” and the only “Great Ride.”

The riders stayed at Rongo Backpackers & Gallery in Karamea to prepare for the ride. Preparation involved a large meal at the Karamea Village Hotel, some light refreshments, a Czech movie at the hostel, a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast before taking the Karamea Connections van to the Kohaihai Shelter to begin the Heaphy ride.

Unicyclists Warm Up in Formation

The unicyclists plan to ride through to Saxon Hut in one day, which is about 48.5 kilometers begins with a steady ride along the Tasman Coast, but includes a large hill climb up to around 800 metres…no doubt the riders will be glad to see the Saxon Hut this evening.

Heaphy Track Profile

The unicyclists came together through Ken Looi’s adventure travel company, “Adventure Unicyclist” and plan to complete the ride through the Heaphy in two days. They will be met by a TVNZ film crew at the Collingwood end of the track and interviewed about their experience.

Unicyclist Ken Looi Prepares for the Heaphy

The Heaphy Track is open to mountain biking (and unicycling) from May 1 to September 30. Riders from all over the world are coming through the track and often say, “The Heaphy is then best ride I have ever done.”

Mountain Biking on the Heaphy Track

The Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” is now a Great Ride. Mountain Bikers will be permitted by the Department of Conservation to ride the Heaphy Track between May 1 and September 30 for a three-year trial beginning in 2011.

Great Walks/Rides are DOC’s premier tracks through some of the best scenery in New Zealand. The huts on the Great Walks/Rides are of higher standard that other tracks and most have gas cooking facilities, fresh water, bunk beds with mattresses, wood burners, toilets etc.

The Heaphy Track is the only multi-day ride through a National Park in New Zealand. The 80-kilometre course through the Kahurangi National Park traverses dense beech forests, expansive tussock plains and boulder outcrops of the Gouland Downs, takes in the limestone cliffs along the Heaphy River and through the nikau palm groves and white sandy beaches along the West Coast to Karamea.

Riding Through Nikau Palm Grove

Riders should be well prepared for inclement weather conditions as the region is known for sudden storms, associated floods, occasional snow falls and strong winds, as well as for sunshine, clear blue skies and warm, calm days. Please carry wet weather gear and warm clothing as well as sun protection, first-aid kits, plenty of water, food supplies as well as spare parts, puncture repair kits etc. Be prepared for all eventualities, as it is a long way from the middle of the track if help is required and it is important that riders take responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing.

Riders can travel the track in either direction, but most are planning to start in Collingwood and finish in Karamea where a friendly bus driver will meet them at the Kohaihai Shelter at the end of the track and deliver them to cold beer, hot showers, great food and comfortable beds at the many accommodation, entertainment, food and beverage services in Karamea.

Mountain Bikers can also do day or multi-day rides into the Kahurangi National Park from either end of the track. The Karamea end of the track is particularly spectacular and riders can spend a couple of nights on the track in either the Heaphy, Lewis or MacKay huts and cycle out again.

Hut bookings are essential and can be made at Information Centres, i-Sites or online through the Department of Conservation.

Online: www.doc.govt.nz
Phone: 03-546-8210
E-mail: greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz

Browns Hut to Perry Saddle (3-4 hours) 17.5 km

Most of it steadily uphill through beech forest. The Aorere Shelter is about halfway and a short detour to check out Flanagan’s Corner, the highest point on the track is worthwhile for the stunning view.

At Perry Saddle there is a popular bathing pool in nearby Gorge Creek and many people climb to the top of Mt Perry as part of their Heaphy Track experience.

Perry Saddle to Saxon Hut: (2-3 hours)

Tramping Boot Post

A relatively flat 12.4 km ride through the spectacular Gouland Downs, expansive tussock plains, distant mountain ranges, granite rock outcrops. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous tramping boot post, which has had a collection of tramping boots and other tramping equipment attached to it over the years and provides a fun photo opportunity. (We may soon see bike helmets, gloves, wheels etc added to the collection of artefacts!)

The historic Gouland Downs Hut is about halfway and provides a good spot for a lunch break or to shelter in case of bad weather. (The Gouland Downs Hut has an excellent fireplace, but does not have gas-cooking facilities). Near the Gouland Downs Hut, a grove of beech trees adorns a limestone outcrop that contains several caves and arches, which are well worth exploring.

The Saxon Hut is the newest hut on the Heaphy Track and is named after John Saxon, who surveyed the track in 1886.

Saxon Hut to James Mackay Hut: (2-3 hours) 11.8 km

Mostly flat riding through stunning tussock, beech forests, creeks, rivers, rock outcrops and you’ll cross the demarcation line between the Tasman (Nelson) and the Buller (West Coast) districts. The view from MacKay Hut is spectacular; you’ll be able to see the Tasman Sea and the Heaphy River mouth on a clear day.

James MacKay Hut to Lewis Hut: (1-2 hours) 12.5 km

Riding the Heaphy

All downhill through beech forest and into taller, richer and more diverse forest indicative of the West Coast. Riding this section requires great care, as there are some rough sections. It is recommended that riders dismount and walk the rough spots to avoid damage to the track, machine or person.

Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut: (1-2 hours) 8 km

A stunning 8-km flat ride along the Heaphy River. You’ll encounter several large swing bridges and it is recommended that riders walk their bikes across the bridges. Flip your bike up onto the back wheel at about 45°, grip the stem with one hand and the top wire of the swing bridge with the other and walk your steed across the river. Several massive rata trees grace the track along the way. The Heaphy River meets the Tasman Sea here creating a turbulent clash of sea and fresh water.

Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai Shelter: (3-4 hours) 16.2 km

Mostly flat riding through nikau palm groves beside the beautiful white sand beaches of the West Coast and the roaring Tasman Sea. The Katipo Shelter is about halfway and there are also campgrounds at Scott’s Beach and Kohaihai.

Kohaihai Shelter to Karamea: (1-2 hours) 15 km

Mostly sealed flat road through farmland.

Kohaihai: Karamea End of the Heaphy Track: Photo by Paul Murray