It flows through Kahurangi National Park, rising on the northern slopes of Amohia Peak and initially flowing northwest before turning southwest to reach the Tasman Sea 30 kilometres north of Karamea.

The river is named for Charles Heaphy, a soldier who explored the area in the 1840s.

The bridge deck was 6.5 m (21 ft) above the normal level of the river.

During a severe flood in early February 2022, the bridge was damaged beyond repair, cutting access along the Heaphy Track.

This article about a river in the West Coast Region of New Zealand is a stub.