Read 6 reviews
Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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.
30kg of CO2-e PP per day
(90kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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.
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
What's included
What's not included
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.
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.
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.
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
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.
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.
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.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
Introductory