Hike Hump Ridge Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Add to My List Check Off

Experience stunning beach, forest and mountain views on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. It's a 3 day, approximately 61 km 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 a 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 unique partnership between the Tuatapere community and DOC, it is a private walk operated by a Charitable Trust. The Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust offers walkers a variety of ways to enjoy the track: Day 1: Rarakau car park to Okaka Lodge –19km (7-9 hours) Day 2: Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge –19km (7-9 hours) Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau car park –17km (5-7 hours) 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. About 1800 walkers complete the track each year. The closest town is Tuatapere, although people often stay in Te Anau and opt to drive south the morning of beginning the track. The track was established in November 2001. The track crosses Māori land and much privately owned land. The Tuatapere Hump Track Trust owns two lodges and over 20 km of board walk, although the Department of Conservation maintains the track along the coast and the Port Craig School Hut. The track starts from Bluecliffs Beach at the Rarakau Farm car park. Usually the track is walked in an anti-clockwise direction, meaning the first night is spent atOkaka Lodgewhich is over 900 metres up on the hump ridge itself. From this vantage point there are panoramic views of Fiordland and the sea to the south, including Stewart Island and neighbouring smaller islands. The track crosses three large viaducts (including the impressive Percy Burn Viaduct), with a fourth visible from the track but off-limits to walkers. The second night's stay is at the coastal Port Craig Village, with beautiful Mussel beach within easy strolling distance. The third day's journey returns to the start of the loop through native bush, then back along Blowholes Beaches and Bluecliffs Beach before finally arriving back at the car park. Between six to nine hours walking is required each day to complete the track. The first day includes a 900-metre ascent to the top of the ridge. The second day is mostly downhill, but can still be rather long towards the end. Most sources put the track between 55 and 63 km but several GPS tracked devices have measured it at 56.5 km (as of 2014).[]The exact length of the track is unknown because of several factors such as the method of measurement and path taken. At several points there is the option to walk via the beach, the track or a four-wheel drive track which can alter the distance. The distance may change because of the complex path up and down the mountain through trees and over roots which will vary depending on the walker. Mapping the distance on a map also does not give its true length as there are many changes in elevation. There are several side routes such as the loop track above Okaka Lodge and the beach at Port Craig which will add to the distance travelled. There is also an additional 300 metres from the car park to the start of the track. Best season is October to April. Can be walked in winter months too, but Tuatapere Office is closed.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›