An Escape to the Mainland - Bikepacking the Heaphy Track
After finishing the Old Ghost Road we had planned to ride to the start of the Heaphy, but heavy rain had caused slips and closed roads so we caught the shuttle back to Lyell to get the car. After re-stocking in Westport we hit the trail.
Wild West coast sea foam
Bananna Storage
The ride along the coast from Karamea is stunning. Lush rainforest, sandy beaches and wild seas. About an hour or so of flowing single track we were at Heaphy Hut.
The beautiful west coast
360 degree views
After claiming some bunks and eating our dinner we watched the storm roll in. Thunder, lightning and even some ice block sized hail that somehow made its way into our Gin's. The next day we set off for a day trip up to James McKay hut.
BIG hailstone!
View from James Mckay Hut
Heaphy river bridge
The outlook from Heaphy Hut
Heaphy Hut
Bike setup/Gear list
I rode my Surly Instigator 2.0:
- 650Bx3.0
- Fox 34 140mm
- KS LEV 125 (did not drop with seat-bag)
- 1x10 with 32t narrow wide with 26t kick shift granny.
- 1 King cage on downtube for water.
- Brooks Cambium B17
Handlebar Roll:
- Thermarest sleeping bag and silk liner
- Lightweight down vest
- thermal top and bottoms
- beanie and buff
Front Loader:
- Spork, knife and lighter
- Snacks
- Go Pro
- Head torch
Pack Mule:
- Extra bike shorts, top and underwear
- Icebreaker jersey
- Raincoat
- First Aid kit
- Mini towel
- Battery bank and cables
- Food
Frame Bag:
- Spares (1 tube, quick links, chain lube, patches, glue, stans goo, cable ties, tape and Multi-tool)
- Food
- Water bottle
- Riding light
- Hip flask
Hipster Pack:
- Extra food when needed
Gear layout
