Heaphy Track Transport Guide

“Transport to the Heaphy Track Made Easy”

Option 2: Road Shuttle

Several operators offer shuttle services between Karamea, Brown Hut and surrounding towns on a set time schedule.

Road shuttles are a great option if you're travelling without your own vehicle or prefer not to fly.

Transport can usually be arranged between:

  • Takaka

  • Collingwood

  • Brown Hut

  • Karamea

  • Kohaihai

  • Nelson (selected services)

Advance booking is strongly recommended as they book out quickly over the busy months and are on a limited schedule during the quieter season.

Option 3: Fly with Golden Bay Air

One of the quickest and most scenic ways to return after your walk is with Golden Bay Air.

Daily scenic flights operate between Karamea and Takaka during the walking season (weather permitting), allowing you to:

  • Enjoy incredible aerial views of Kahurangi National Park

  • Return to your vehicle in under an hour

  • Avoid the 5–6 hour drive around the coast

Many walkers consider this one of the highlights of their Heaphy experience. We can arrange your flight and coordinate your transport to the start of Browns Hutt. Contact us Here

Popular Transport Options

Option 1: Start in Golden Bay (Our Recommended Option)

This is by far the most popular way to complete the Heaphy Track.

✔ Stay in Golden Bay before your walk

✔ Leave your vehicle securely in Takaka

✔ Transfer to Brown Hut

✔ Walk the track to Kohaihai

✔ Fly from Karamea back to Golden Bay with Golden Bay Air

This option means your vehicle is waiting for you when you return and avoids a long road shuttle back around the coast.

Many walkers also enjoy spending a few nights in Golden Bay after completing the track to relax and explore the region.

Golden Bay Rides Taxi Services

Need transport before or after your walk?

We can help arrange transfers to:

  • Brown Hut Trailhead

  • Collingwood

  • Takaka

  • Golden Bay accommodation

  • Nelson Airport

  • Nelson City

  • Motueka

  • Richmond

Whether you're travelling solo or as a group, we can help find the best transport option for your itinerary.

Flexible Track Transfers with Golden Bay Rides

Unlike scheduled shuttle services, Golden Bay Rides works around your itinerary.

Whether you're eager to hit the trail at first light or arriving later in the day, we offer flexible transport to suit your plans. We can transfer you to the Brown Hut trailhead from as early as 6:00 am, and provide late afternoon and evening pick-ups.

Our Brown Hut transfers start from just $180 for up to 3 people, with an additional $50 per person for larger groups.

Accommodation & Transport Packages

Want someone else to organise the logistics?

Golden Bay Escapes can arrange:

  • Accommodation before your walk

  • Accommodation after your walk

  • Airport transfers

  • Brown Hut transfers

  • Flights with Golden Bay Air

  • Local transport around Golden Bay

  • Advice on planning your itinerary

Our goal is to make your Heaphy Track adventure as stress-free as possible.

Contact Us