New Zealand's next Great Walk - 2023!

Located at the Southern tip of Fiordland National Park, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop walk that takes hikers along the south coast of New Zealand, up to the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge, and over historic viaducts in the heart of native forest. Our two backcountry lodges are in superb locations, each offering a unique stopping point along the walk.

 

We are the only walking track in Fiordland that offers upgrade facilities to independent trampers. Why not enjoy a hot shower and super king-sized bed on your tramp? Book on any Thursday and you can have your pack helicoptered up the hill. Each of our lodges have disabled facilities and wheelchair access to/from the helipad, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our wilderness.

 

 

 

We offer three options: 

 

 

HUMP RIDGE TRACK GUIDED WALK

 

Let us show you the way through our piece of paradise with our small group, fully guided package. This package includes:

 

• One night pre-walk B&B accommodation in Tuatapere (double or twin share) 

• Transport from Tuatapere to begin your walk 

• A short helicopter flight across Te Waewae Bay 

• Heli-pack your pack up the hill to Okaka on Day 1 

• Multi share or Private rooms – all linen provided 

• Hot showers 

• Fully catered with cooked breakfasts, packed lunches and 3 course dinners 

• Fresh fruit and snacks also provided 

 

For more information: 

http://www.humpridgetrack.co.nz/pages/guided-packages/

 

HUMP RIDGE FREEDOM WALK 

 

The classic independent walk includes:

 

• Two nights bunk accommodation at Okaka & Port Craig Lodges 

• Hot porridge and brown sugar for breakfast each morning

  

HUMP RIDGE PRIME

 

This Package is for the independent walker looking for a little luxury 

• One night pre-walk B&B accommodation in Tuatapere (double or twin share)

 

• Heli packing on Day 1 from Rarakau to Okaka 

• Two nights multi share accommodation at Okaka and Port Craig 

• Linen provided 

• Hot Showers 

• A choice of Back Country Cuisine dehydrated meals  

• Hot Porridge & brown sugar for breakfast

 

 

 

NEW: WALK/JET BOAT COMBO

 

For walkers wanting a shorter walk with a wilderness Jet Boat trip

 

Departs: Daily subject to availability

 

Additional Cost: NZ$ 189* per person 

* This option adds NZ$189 per person to your chosen walking package price

 

This option can be added to any Freedom, Prime or Guided Walk.

 

• Day 3 of your walk leave Port Craig for Waitutu Lodge, an easy 4 hour walk 

• Lunch at Waitutu Lodge (BBQ provided if required) 

• Jet boat up the remote Wairaurahiri River to Lake Hauroko carpark & return by road to Tuatapere

 

 

 

TRACK DETAILS:

 

Experience stunning beach, forest and mountain views on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.

 

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 62km, 3 day loop walk that takes trampers along the south coast of New Zealand, up to the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge, and over historic viaducts (bridges) in the heart of native forest.

 

The highlight is the loop track at the top of the Hump Ridge range which winds around soaring limestone Tors and offers panoramic views of south-west Fiordland, the Southern Ocean, and Stewart Island.

 

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a private walk, operated by a community based Charitable Trust. Prior booking and payment is essential.

 

The track can be walked independently or with a guide.

  

Track description

 

Day 1: Rarakau car park to Okaka Lodge – 21km (7-9 hours)

 

Day 2: Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge – 21km (7-9 hours)

 

Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau car park – 20km (5-7 hours)

 

Getting there

 

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is 1 hour from Invercargill, 1.5 hours from Te Anau and 2 hours from Queenstown.

 

This track starts from the Rarakau carpark, Bluecliffs Beach in Te Waewae Bay, Southern Fiordland (cars are left at the owner's risk). Return Track Transport to/from Tuatapere can be arranged.

  

Historic sites

 

The coastal section of this track is rich with early logging history, including a number of historic viaducts (bridges).

 

Places to stay

 

Two private backcountry lodges are available on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. At almost 1000m, Okaka Lodge is the highest point on the track. Port Craig Lodge, at sea level, offers trampers the chance to soak weary limbs in the Southern Ocean and see the rare Hectors dolphins. The lodges sleep up to 40 people each and are fully wheelchair accessible.

 

Guests sleep in individual bunk beds, with 8 beds to a room or can upgrade to a Private Room. Lodges are gas-heated and have flush toilets and solar lighting throughout the complex. Hot showers are available. The lodges have fully equipped kitchens with cooking gas, crockery, cutlery, pans and utensils for tramper’s use. Both Lodges also have a licensed bar and shop. Porridge and brown sugar is provided each morning at the Lodges.

 

Accommodation can be booked in advance via the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track office. Note that DOC hut passes cannot be used for these lodges.

 

Plan and prepare 

 

This track requires a good level of fitness: the walking days are long and some sections are steep and rugged. 

 

The track and private lodges are managed by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust. Booking and prior payment is essential for use of the track and lodges. Camping is prohibited.

 

Other upgrade options available: heli-packing, heli-lifts, track transport Jet Boat combos.

 

CONTACT DETAILS:

 

Hump Ridge Track 

31 Orawia Road 

TUATAPERE, Southland, New Zealand 

Telephone: +64 3 226 6739

Free phone: (NZ Only) 0800 HUMP RIDGE (0800 486 774) 

Fax +64 3226 6074

 

Email: walk@humpridgetrack.co.nz

Website: www.humpridgetrack.co.nz