Heaphy Track

Starting in the Aorere Valley just outside Collingwood is the 82 kilometre track through Kahurangi National Park, connecting Golden Bay with Karamea on the West Coast of the South Island, is a fantastic adventure for moderately fit people of all ages. It is usually covered in around five to six days. Whilst walking the track you will pass through ancient beech forests, expansive alpine tussock country, see giant rata trees, limestone caves and cliffs, cross broad rivers (all with sturdy bridges) and look out over rugged, densely forested mountains as far as the eye can see.
In the final section of the track (West Coast Side) you will stroll through lush rainforest along the sub-tropical coast through groves of native nikau palms as you follow the wild Tasman coast. from the. You'll see all sorts of native birds, including screeching kaka and kea parrots, moreporks, rare whio or blue ducks (which are on the NZ $10 note), friendly robins, cuckoos, kingfishers, parrots, weka, pukeko, stilts, godwits, terns, oyster catchers, shags, herons, and some lucky trampers have even seen kiwi.
Shorter walks are also able to be done if time is an issue.