The Heaphy Track accommodation has been undergoing a transformation in recent times, the Perry Saddle, James McKay, and Heaphy Huts have been replaced, now it’s as five-star as you are likely to get when roughing it: heavy insulation; big double glazed windows; separate bedrooms, ie, four; a slew of gas rings for cooking up dinner; flyscreens, that’s actually sandfly screens; big airlocks; huge timber decks; and, at least at Heaphy Hut, two flushing toilets that are undercover, ie, no big walk at night, although you do have to go outside.
The other hut, Gouland Downs Hut, is more like it used to be, ie, less comfort, more character.
Lewis Hut has been demolished and replaced with a shelter.
Camping is not quite straightforward: Perry Saddle campsite is the best, as fully specified as you could wish, there’s a kitchen shelter with benches, sinks, water, and a picnic table; the others, Gouland Downs, James McKay, and Saxon have strange timber platform constructions where you are supposed to pitch your tent, there’s a bunch of ropes to attach your tent rather than the ability to bung in pegs, not so good if you don’t have a self-supporting tent; the Heaphy campsite is on a considerable slope. DOC management should be made to camp there, although there is a shelter and picnic tables.
There are resident hut wardens at Perry Saddle, Saxon, James McKay and Heaphy Huts for the summer months, November to April and occasionally in winter. So be warned, they will ask to see printed proof that you have paid your hut fees, ie, it’s worth booking and carrying evidence.
