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| This information is from the Bainham Weather Station, which is the closest to the Heaphy Track. | |||
| Average Daily High TempC | Average Daily Low TempC | Average Number of Rainy Days | |
| July | 13 | 1 | 13 |
| Aug | 14 | 3 | 14 |
| Sep | 15 | 5 | 14 |
| Oct | 17 | 6 | 15 |
| Nov | 19 | 8 | 13 |
| Dec | 21 | 10 | 12 |
| Jan | 22 | 11 | 11 |
| Feb | 23 | 11 | 9 |
| Mar | 20 | 9 | 10 |
| Apr | 18 | 7 | 12 |
| May | 16 | 4 | 13 |
| Jun | 14 | 2 | 13 |
Equipment Tips and Weather Information
The weather in Kahurangi National Park is quite changeable and the West Coast of the South Island can be wet at any time of year, so it is advisable to prepare for wet, windy and cold conditions, particularly in the sub-alpine areas of the track- though many trampers enjoy the areas high sunshine hours, some of the highest in New Zealand and it's year round mild conditions.
Clothing should be light, quick drying and warm, so woollen or polypropylene garments are recommended.
Essential items:
- Good quality, comfortable tramping boots
- Two sets or warm, weatherproof clothing
- Broad-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses
- Warm, waterproof raincoat
- Backpack with waterproof liner and cover
- Light, warm sleeping bag
- Hut or camp passes
(these must be arranged prior to walking the track. They can be purchased at DOC offices, i-sites, and visitor centres, or online at: www.doc.govt.nz (there may be a small booking fee)
- Water bottle
- Matches or lighter
- Things for eating and cooking: Cutlery, plastic plate, cup and cooking utensils
- Toilet Paper - there are toilets along the track, but it would take a brave (or forgetful) tramper to leave home without it.
- Pocket Knife
- Map
Food
Carry enough for the number of days you plan to spend on the track, plus a little extra in case of delays caused by high creek water levels, injury etc.
Food should be nutritious, light in weight, easy to cook, non-perishable and of high energy content.
Some good tramping foods: pasta, rice, couscous, cheese, salami, dried fruit, nuts, muesli, chocolate, some dehydrated and instant packaged foods such as soup and noodles.)
Other items to consider:
- Camera (there are a lot of incredible photo opportunities along the track)
- Earplugs (there may be some snorers in your hut)
Torch or candles (none of the huts have lighting and there are also caves along the track) - MP3 / radio
- A good book
- Sunscreen
- DOC Heaphy Track brochure
- For campers: a sturdy weatherproof tent with rain fly, cooking stove and fuel
- First aid kit, with bandaids, insect repellent, aspirin,etc.
Gloves - Gas cooker (if you are camping, or intend to stay in huts without gas cookers (Brown and Gouland Downs)
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