11.8 km (2 – 3 hours walk)
Mostly flat going through stunning tussock, beech forests, across creeks, rivers and past spectacular rock outcrops. You’ll cross the demarcation line between the Tasman (Nelson) and the Buller (West Coast) districts as you head toward the West Coast.
MacKay Hut was built in 2014 and is the newest hut on the Heaphy Track. It has double-glazed windows, solar lighting, wood stove, gas-cooking facilities, toilets, fresh water and is clean, tidy, cosy and comfortable.
The view from MacKay Hut is spectacular; you’ll be able to see the Tasman Sea and the Heaphy River mouth on a clear day.