Heaphy Track Gear List
DOC's Heaphy Track page tells you what the huts do and do not hold and warns about flooding in the Saxon and lower Heaphy valley sections. It does not print a packing list, so this page lists only what the track page itself states.
What the huts and campsites give you
Huts
Bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets and basic cooking facilities.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Not provided in huts
Food, cooking utensils, showers and bedding. Bring a sleeping bag for hut stays.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Varies by hut
Cooking facilities and lighting differ. DOC says to check individual huts.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Campsites
Toilets, sinks and a water supply; some have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Campers cannot use hut facilities.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Conditions that change the kit
Water
DOC warns of a small risk of giardia and says to treat water before use.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Rivers and floods
Some small streams are not bridged. The Saxon and James Mackay section and lower Heaphy valley can flood deep over the track, and DOC advises waiting for water to recede or staying in a hut or shelter.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Weather
DOC says to be prepared for rain, snow and wind, especially on exposed sections.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
If you ride it
Carry everything
Food, clothing, overnight and personal gear, and bike tools. At least one rider should know how to fix a bike.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Kea
At James Mackay Hut, DOC says to remove the bike seat and cover brake lines because kea are attracted to them.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Bikes
They are not allowed inside huts or on verandas. Bike stands are provided at the huts DOC names.
From DOC: Heaphy Track
Gear questions for the Heaphy Track
Do Heaphy Track huts have bedding?
No. DOC says Heaphy huts do not have food, cooking utensils, showers or bedding.
Can the Heaphy Track flood?
DOC says the Saxon and James Mackay section and the lower Heaphy valley can flood deep over the track, and advises waiting for water to recede.
Do you need to treat water on the Heaphy Track?
DOC warns of a small risk of giardia and says to treat water before use.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on 30 October 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in New Zealand, call 111.