HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Heaphy Track

new-zealand/kahurangi-national-park-nelson-west-coast
VS
Route B

Three Capes Track

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Heaphy Track vs Three Capes Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Heaphy Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+12 points). While Three Capes Track is a serious endeavor, Heaphy Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+12 Heaphy Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Heaphy Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Heaphy Track
Greater Commitment
Heaphy Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Heaphy Trackwins 6 of 8 metrics
6
Route A
2
Route B
new-zealand/kahurangi-national-park-nelson-west-coast

Heaphy Track

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The odyssey of diversity. The Heaphy Track is the longest of New Zealand's Great Walks, stretching 78.4km from the Aorere Valley in Golden Bay to Kohaihai on the West Coast. It is a journey of extreme contrast: starting in ancient beech forests, ascending to the Sub-alpine tussock downs of Gouland Downs (home to the Great Spotted Kiwi), and descending through lush podocarp forest to the coastal palm groves. Unlike the steep verticality of the Milford, the Heaphy is a more gradual, long-distance traverse that allows hikers to experience the full spectrum of New Zealand's wilderness ecosystems in one continuous line.

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Three Capes Track

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The Three Capes Track is a 48km point-to-point trekking route within Tasman National Park, Tasmania. Starting at the Port Arthur Historic Site with a marine transfer across the bay to Denmans Cove, the route traverses the high sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. The track is highly engineered, featuring wide gravel paths and boardwalks that provide safe access to vertical dolerite columns reaching 300 meters above the Southern Ocean. Management is handled by the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, with a regulated north-to-south flow. The route transitions through diverse environments including coastal heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and temperate rainforest.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
58 WINNER
46
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
69 WINNER
63
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
29 WINNER
14
DistanceLonger route
78.4 km WINNER
48 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,200 m
WINNER1,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
915 m WINNER
457 m
DurationShorter commitment
5 days
WINNER4 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
Crowd Level
3 / 5
3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
4 / 5 WINNER
3 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Heaphy Track
STANDARD // RT
flooding and high tides: Sections of the lower Heaphy valley and the coastal track are prone to rapid flooding during heavy rain and inundation at high tide.
sandflies and insect nuisance: The West Coast sections and river mouth of the Heaphy are legendary for their high concentrations of biting sandflies.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT
maritime wind exposure: The Tasman Peninsula is directly exposed to Southern Ocean frontal systems, which can deliver high-velocity gusts and sudden thermal shifts.
topographical exposure: Portions of the track follow cliff lines reaching 300 meters. While the path is wide, these sections remain unfenced in several areas.

Required Gear Comparison

Heaphy Track
Comfortable, well-broken-in hiking bootsWaterproof rain jacket and pack coverThermal layers (Merino or synthetic)3-season sleeping bagCooking fuel and food for 4-6 daysHigh-quality insect repellent (Essential)Sun hat and sunscreenTrekking poles (helpful for the long mileage)
Three Capes Track
Supportive hiking footwear (optimized for gravel and stone stairs)Technical waterproof and windproof shellSynthetic or wool thermal base layersLightweight sleeping bag (mattresses are provided)Self-sufficient food supply for 4 daysSun protection and insect repellent

Compare with Other Routes

austria
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
austria
Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT
austria
Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
brazil
Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
STANDARD // RT