Hump Ridge Track Self-Guided Hike

Name: Hump Ridge Track Self-Guided Hike
Brand: Great Walks of New Zealand
SKU: GHS
Rating: 5.00 (3 reviews)

Panoramic views over Te Waewae Bay | Liz Carlson

The stunning location of Okaka Lodge on Hump Ridge Track | Janet Oldham

Hump Ridge - Great South | Liz Carlson

Explore the tors and tarns on the ridge above Okaka Lodge, Hump Ridge Track | Janet Oldham

Panoramic views over Te Waewae Bay | Liz Carlson

The stunning location of Okaka Lodge on Hump Ridge Track | Janet Oldham

Hump Ridge - Great South | Liz Carlson

Explore the tors and tarns on the ridge above Okaka Lodge, Hump Ridge Track | Janet Oldham

Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

self-guided walk

Accommodation

3 nights simple lodge

Meals

3 Dinners
3 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$1900NZD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: GHS

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Trip highlights

Diverse and stunning scenery, from sub-alpine to sea-level environments
Spot rare Hector's dolphins playing in the surf
Superbly located lodges with hot showers
Walk across the largest wooden viaducts in New Zealand
Walking in remote Fiordland National Park in the far south of New Zealand

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track offers an amazing wilderness walking experience. Located in the south-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island the track runs through 62km of pristine and unspoiled wilderness. Explore this track completely at your own pace, walking through a diverse range of World Heritage landscapes from sub-alpine wilderness to sweeping coastlines. On top of the Hump Ridge itself take in panoramic views of Stewart Island, Lake Poteriteri, Lake Hauroko and mountain ranges found deep in Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the freedom of walking self-guided while partaking of some extra comforts, such as a hot shower, at a well-located lodge at the end of each day.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Transfer to Tuatapere

You will be transferred from either Invercargill, Te Anau or Queenstown (indirect services) to Tuatapere (timetables subject to change). On arrival you will complete some formalities and have a trip briefing at the Hump Ridge Track office if arriving before 5.30pm. If arriving after 5.30pm, settle into your nearby trip accommodation, where you will also collect your meal pack for the walk. Your accommodation for the night includes a tasty home-cooked dinner plus a hearty breakfast next morning. Note: be sure to purchase your lunch and snack supplies for the trail before arriving in Tuatapere. There is a small supermarket in the village (usually open until 9:00pm but this can change) useful for last minute purchases or anything you have forgotten. However, in case of travel delays or particular food requirements it is best to be prepared in advance.

Meals: D

Day 2
Transfer to Rarakau, walk to Okaka Lodge (21 km, 7 - 9 hrs)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and driven to the Humpridge track office to check in any luggage before continuing on to the trailhead at Rarakau, a drive of approx 30 minutes. (If you have chosen to have your luggage flown by helicopter today, you will be advised where to leave it before you set off.) You will gradually climb up to the top of the Hump Ridge (approx 1000m), crossing several swing bridges and passing through beautiful native forest, the stunning diversity of which changes dramatically with elevation. Ascending straight up the ridge you will reach Stag Point, where the trees part and you are welcomed by views of the beautiful Te Waewae Bay. On clear days you will also be able to see Stewart Island and the Fiordland mountains and lakes nearby. About an hour further on you will arrive at Okaka Lodge, nestled beneath the ridgetop. Enjoy a hot shower then unwind as you admire the views.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge (21km, 7 - 9 hrs)

Begin walking today down the Hump Ridge, with more splendid views and beautiful forest. Further on the human history of the region becomes apparent, crossing several magnificent wooden viaducts on the way to Port Craig. These were built in the early 1900's when Port Craig was a bustling sawmill town. Nearing the site of the original village, if you are interested in the history and relics that surround it, choose to take the interpretive trail or just meander down to the beach and spot some of the resident Hector’s dolphins that live in the bay. On arrival at Port Craig Lodge, the friendly lodge manager will welcome you. After a brief orientation the time is yours to explore or simply relax and put your feet up, enjoying the coastal ambience.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau trailhead, onward transfer (20km, 5 - 7 hrs)

The final day of the trail begins by walking beneath a canopy of native bush, then along several beautiful beaches. Pause a while at the Blowholes to watch the waves surging upwards through a funnel of rocks on the shoreline. Rejoin the initial section of track winding along the coast to Rarakau to complete the circuit. You will be met at the trailhead and driven back to Tuatapere where you will connect with your transfer to return to either Queenstown (indirect service arriving 7:45pm), Invercargill (arrive 4:35pm) or Te Anau (on request, arrive 4:15pm). Timing of these transfers is subject to schedule changes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

3 breakfasts, 3 dinners (1 buffet breakfast and 1 cooked dinner, 2 breakfasts/dinners are Radix nutrition meals
1 night simple lodge accommodation in Tuatapere, twin share with linen and shared bathrooms
2 nights simple lodge accommodation on a quadshare basis with sleeping bag and liner, towels and shared bathrooms (hot showers)
Return transfers from Queenstown (indirect service), Te Anau (on request) or Invercargill to Tuatapere
Return transfers from Tuatapere to Rarakau trailhead
Route notes and map
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

What's not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and trail snacks
Drinks other than water, tea/coffee/hot chocolate - good drinking water is available at each night's accommodation
Water bottle (help us save the environment by bringing your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Personal equipment such as rainwear, gaiters, walking boots, walking poles etc
Mug/cup, bowl, cutlery, cooking pots are all provided in the hut kitchens; you may bring your own if you prefer
Optional extras and upgrades (such as transfer of pack by helicopter (12kg maximum) to Okaka Lodge on Sunday and Wednesday departures only; upgrade to twinshare room)
Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, wi-fi, laundry, shopping etc)
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) - highly recommended
Travel Insurance
Visa (if required)

Trail Surface

Multi-surface trail

These are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, uneven terrain with tree roots, mud and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

Accommodation

Simple lodge - Tuatapere

This lodge has twinshare rooms with heating, tea/coffee facilities, small fridge, all linen and shared bathrooms. Meals are taken in a communal lounge/dining area with bar facilities. Mobile phone reception, wifi and laundry facilities are available. Tuatapere is a tiny village and you may find services and facilities are not of the same standard you might expect in larger centres and costs will be higher.

Simple lodge - Hump Ridge Track

These are managed and maintained by a private trust. They are modern backcountry-style lodges. They have a water supply; solar lighting; cooking facilities (including cutlery, crockery, cooking pots and utensils, gas cook tops); bunk beds with mattress, pillow and sleeping bag (plus liner); a communal lounge/dining area with gas heating and a basic shop for beverages (alcohol and soft drinks), confectionary, dehydrated meals; flush toilets and shared bathrooms/showers with hot water. Bedding is provided for optional upgrades to twin or double rooms.

Grading

Moderate
5

MODERATE - GRADE 5 This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day, on average, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. The trek involves carrying a pack of around 10 - 14kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a loaded pack is also highly recommended at least once a week in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates

Most days between end October and mid April

Notes

Luggage transfer by helicopter can be added on the first day of walking (Sunday & Wednesday trip starts only) for additional cost. Note that you will need to carry all your own luggage for the remainder of the walk

Accommodation is based on quadshare rooms. An upgrade to private rooms (double or twin) including linen is possible, subject to availability, for an additional cost.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$1900NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single Room Upgrade at Last Light Lodge only (Quadshare in Okaka & Port Craig Lodges)NZD$40
Double/Twin Room Supplement per person (Okaka & Port Craig Lodges)NZD$170
Heli Pack Rarakau to Okaka Lodge (10kg max) Mon & Thur onlyNZD$160
Single Room Supplement per person (3 nights) self-guidedNZD$370

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Hump Ridge Track Self-Guided Hike trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

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