Helpful Hints

• Track update by DOC
  Keep up to date with all the latest developments on all the tracks in top of the south.
• Heaphy Track Beds
  See availability of beds and huts and book online
• METVUW Forecast
  7 Day weather forecasts from Victoria University Wellington.(best forecast!)
• Nelson weather update (MetService)
  10 day Nelson weather forecast.
• West Coast weather update (MetService)
  10 day West Coast weather forecast.
• Alternative existing trips to Heaphy, Wangapeka and all back country track ends.
  If you want to combine on any existing trips to all other tracks (for singles, couples and groups).
• Scheduled and chartered trips to Nelson lakes track ends.
  If you want to combine on any existing trips to all other tracks (for singles, couples and groups).
• Tide charts
  To find the high tide level before commencing accross Crayfish Point section of the track (Heaphy hut to Kohaihai shelter). Click on the small map in this site which highlights Karamea.
• Ford Crossing levels at Dart ford.
  Access over Dart ford (Wangapeka). Even if there is a spike on the graph, it still may be passable.

Ideas on what to take on your tramp

I have photocopied my personal tramping list here, but its only as a guide to help you. I do not take everything and add on as I go (you can see by the highlights, ticks and hand-writing bits.)
If you want food that actually tastes like home cooking this is pretty close to the real thing, tasty and nutritious.

Absolute Wilderness
http://www.absolutewilderness.co.nz/I have tried most varieties and they are all good.. especially Thai Red Curry or Tom Kha Gai. They even provide great desserts.

If I may just add a short note for those who have not done a lot of New Zealand tramping. To me the most important thing is always have dry warm clothing for the evening and a cosy dry sleeping bag. A rubbish bag or exposure bag lining inside the pack is essential. Don't trust the manufacturers waterproof guarantee. Always keep a set of warmies for the evening, don't scimp on dehy food, but dont carry a pack that is too heavy for you. Its a balance between the necessities, but also being light enough to get where you want to go quickly if the need takes you.