Hump Ridge Track: New Zealand's 11th Great Walk Near Tuatapere

Overview

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 61.5 km, 3-day loop in southern Fiordland, near Tuatapere in Western Southland. It climbs over sub-alpine tops and returns along the rugged coast of Te Waewae Bay. It opened as New Zealand's 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024.

It's run differently from the other Great Walks. The track and its lodges are maintained by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust in partnership with DOC. The lodges are of a higher standard than other Great Walk huts, and you book through the Trust, not DOC. DOC hut passes aren't valid.

Track description

Day 1 follows the South Coast Track around Te Waewae Bay, then climbs through mountain beech to Ōkaka Lodge, above the treeline. Don't miss the 45-minute boardwalk loop around tors and tarns, with 360° views over Western Southland.

Day 2 follows the exposed Hump Ridge (take care in high winds) to Tītahi / Luncheon Rock, which has a toilet, shelter and water. Then it descends to the coast and crosses the historic Edwin Burn, Percy Burn and Sand Hill viaducts on an old logging tramline to Port Craig Lodge.

Day 3 returns along the coast. At Port Craig, explore the remains of the old sawmill settlement, the baker's oven and the wharf piles.

Ways to walk it

The Trust offers several options:

• Independent, carrying all your own food and gear (meals can also be bought at the lodges)
• Prime Package, with a few comforts while still walking at your own pace
• Guided Package, fully catered
• Combinations with helicopter transport or a jet boat ride

Fees, packing lists and bookings are on the Hump Ridge Trust website.

Fitness

The Hump Ridge requires moderate to high fitness. Expect long 7–9 hour days with steps, boardwalks and significant climbing. It's best for people who've done overnight hikes in New Zealand before.

Getting there

The track starts at the Rarakau car park near Tuatapere: about 1 hr 15 min from Invercargill Airport, 1.5 hr from Te Anau and 2.5 hr from Queenstown. The Hump Ridge office can arrange transport.

Hazards

• Fiordland weather changes fast, with whiteouts, high winds and cold possible at any time of year.
• Blowholes Beach on the South Coast Track is passable only at low tide. Watch for tidal surges and rogue waves.
• There are wasps, so carry antihistamines if you're allergic, and there may be hunters in the area.
• Keep off helicopter landing zones.

Good to know

No dogs, no mountain bikes and no unauthorised drones.