Hump Ridge Track

Situated on the south-west corner of New Zealand's South Island the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a new walk with two new backcountry lodges and 22km of new track. There are commanding views of the south coast, Lake Poteriteri, Lake Hauroko and mountain ranges deep in Fiordland National Park. Walk through 13 marine coastal terraces in the Waitutu Forest, which Dr David Bellamy described as "probably the most important forest in the world". This ancient terraced forest rises out of the sea with each level being 100,000 years older than the last. It remains pristine and unspoiled.

Experienced guides will provide you with an intimate knowledge of the area, enriching your vacation. All the organising will be done for you and your gear helicoptered ahead so that you can focus on the delights and make the most of your walking holiday.

Day 1. Arrive at Tuatapere
Tuatapere is situated 86km from Invercargill and 100km from Te Anau on the Southern Scenic Route. Return transfers from Queenstown, Te Anau or Invercargill can be arranged if needed. Queenstown - departing 9am, from Invercargill leaving 2pm or from Te Anau leaving 7.30am. Otherwise make your own way to Tuatapere, arriving at the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track Office (31 Orawia Rd) by 5:30pm for a meet and greet, nibbles and a glass of wine. Your accommodation at The Waiau Hotel is a short walk away.

Day 2. Tuatapere, Flat Creek, Okaka Lodge 5 - 7 hours/13km walking
Pick up from your accommodation is at 7.30am. Join the bus ride to the pick up point for your scenic helicopter flight at Rarakau. Board the helicopter and fly across the bay over the coast where you may see the rare Hector’s dolphins playing in the surf. Landing at the coastal end of Flat Creek, you begin your walk. Climbing steadily up the Hump Ridge, bush gives way to sub alpine tussock grasses and finally the Okaka Hut (890m) where you may be entertained by Kea (New Zealand's mountain parrot).

Day 3. Okaka Lodge, Percy Burn Viaduct, Port Craig Village 7 - 9 hours/19km walking
Traverse along the Hump Ridge past sandstone tors (tall rocks on hill/mountain tops) and mountain tarns (small lakes). Then descend through mountain beech to the South Coast Track near the Edwin Burn Viaduct. Follow an old logging tramway as it leads across the massive Percy Burn Viaduct, the highest remaining wooden viaduct in the world, to Port Craig Village.

Day 4. Port Craig Village, Rarakau, Tuatapere 5 - 7 hours/17km walking
Mornings at Port Craig start (weather permitting) with a chorus of bellbirds and tuis. Fantails, brown creepers, riflemen, grey warblers, moreporks, silver eyes and tomtits are also abundant. During the 1920s Port Craig had the largest and most modern sawmill in New Zealand. The milling company employed over 150 men and produced up to 1800 cubic metres of timber a month. Logs were transported to the mill along a tramway from the terraced forests to the west, between Port Craig and the Wairaurahiri River. Large hardwood viaducts were constructed to carry the tram lines over ravines. The Percy Burn Viaduct is 125 metres long and 36 metres above the creek bed. It was fully repaired in 1994. The other viaducts were refurbished in 1999. Timber was shipped directly from Port Craig and the old wharf piles remain, along with old building materials and the Port Craig School. Milling ceased in 1932.

Explore Port Craig before walking along coastal tracks and the beach to the end of the track. Hector's dolphins and New Zealand fur seals are often seen along this coast. The shuttle departs from Rarakau at approximately 3:00pm for Tuatapere and the completion of your journey. Take the optional shuttle back to Invercargill or Te Anau.

Grade: C
Up to 9 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-7kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 800m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required

No previous hiking experience is required, but you need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic. You will be carrying a medium sized daypack for up to 9 hours. The first day on the trail you climb over 800m. The second day you go down again. The track is a mixture of boardwalk and steps, natural tracks and remains of the old tramline. The descent from the Hump Ridge is steep and can be muddy at times.

The guides are dedicated to your safety and satisfaction. They have been chosen for their special knowledge and receive additional training on the local flora, fauna and history. They are trained in first aid and are in radio contact with each other, the lodges and the Tuatapere base at all times.

Your personal belongings will be carried between lodges by helicopter, arriving at each destination before you, so that you will be able to walk carrying the minimum of weight. However you will be required to carry a day pack containing basic survival equipment, your lunch, personal items (e.g. hat, sunscreen, camera,) and food in case of unplanned delays or sudden weather change. The maximum allowance of weight for the helicopter luggage is 15kg. In the rare event of weather conditions preventing prompt delivery of your luggage, emergency equipment and supplies are available at the huts.

A variety of walking equipment, day packs, raincoats, gaiters and walking poles are available for hire. Please advise in advance.

Essential Items

Pair of shorts/trousers

Thick woollen or fleece top

Woollen (merino) or polypropylene thermal underwear (top and longjohns)

Woollen or thermal socks (two pairs), underwear and handkerchief

Small towel or flannel

Warm hat (fleece or woollen) and light gloves

Waterproof raincoat with hood

Hiking boots or strong walking shoes

Pair of light shoes or sandals

Change of clothes for evenings

Day pack with waterproof liner

Small personal torch or headlamp

Water bottle

Personal medicine and toiletries

Second skin or Footfleece for blister

Insect repellent, sunscreen

Optional items:

Camera and film/memory cards

Gaiters, walking poles

Extra treats for the end of each day. Wine, spirits, etc.

Luggage:
You can leave any luggage you are travelling with but do not need for the hike at the Hump Ridge Track Office in Tuatapere.

Return transfers from Queenstown, Te Anau or Invercargill can be arranged if needed. Please let us know when booking whether you will be requiring this. On day one, transfers are available from Queenstown leaving 9am, from Invercargill leaving 2pm or from Te Anau leaving 7.30am. On your last day connections can be made to Te Anau or Queenstown. Invercargill connection will be the next day at 9am, we can arrange for an extra night in Tuatapere. On the day you start the walk (Day 2) you will be picked up from your hotel and taken by bus to Rarakau Lodge where you will board a helicopter. On the last day of the trip you will be picked up from Rarakau (the end of the track) departing at 3:00pm and then taken to Tuatapere.

All food is included for you while on the track, including breakfast on the first morning in your Tuatapere accommodation. Gourmet dinners and wine with a distinctive New Zealand flavour, breakfasts and picnic lunches (which you carry) are provided. Additional NZ wines are available for sale at the lodges.

Accommodation on the track is provided in modern backcountry lodges featuring gas heating and cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets and drying rooms. Bedding, linen and hot showers are provided. Rooms are private premium rooms which accommodate a maximum of two people, either double, super king, or twin king singles. All cutlery, utensils and bedding are provided.

The Waiau Hotel in Tuatapere provides twin share and double rooms with ensuites.

Will I be fit enough?
To enjoy your trek you need to be able to carry a medium sized day pack for up to 7 - 9 hours over a distance of up to 19km of mountain track. To maximise your enjoyment you are encouraged to set your own pace while walking the track, there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. The track surface varies from smooth well-formed paths to rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots and hiking boots are highly recommended and will provide firm ankle support. If you are not a regular walker, begin a daily walk regime 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some practice carrying a pack and hill/staircase walking during this time will make you even better prepared for your walk.

Is there an alternative option for getting to the top of the hill on the first day?
Yes you can catch the helicopter to Okaka Hut. The price is from NZ$180. Please let us know in advance so that you can be booked in.

What weather should I expect on the month I am walking?
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.

Where should I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?
Your luggage can be stored at the Hump Ridge Track Office in Tuatapere while you are hiking.

I am travelling with a car. Where will I be able to leave this?
You can leave your vehicle at the Hump Ridge Track office. All vehicles are left at the owner's risk.

How bad are the sandflies?
We recommend you wear insect repellent each day.

I am vegetarian. Is this a problem?
We cater for any dietary requirements. Please request this on booking.

Additional drinks are available for sale at the lodges while on the track

Non-walker helicopter transfers between lodges are charged per sector.

Price includes:

Twin or double accommodation on the track

Hotel accommodation in Tuatapere

Transport to the start and pick up from the end of the track

All meals on the track

Heli packing your gear around the circuit

A personal guide for each group of 6 people

Payment:
For bookings 4 or months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
14 days or more notice – 25% cancellation fee applies
Less than 14 days – No refund can be made except with a medical certificate
No refund on any portion of the trip can be given after departure.
Bookings can be transferred to a future departure within the same season with a 10% fee.

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.

Children aged 10 - 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The track is not recommended for children younger than 10.

If the track is closed due to bad weather or track conditions, a full refund will be given. Cancelled groups will be able to depart on the track only if there are vacancies available once the track reopens.

This is a wilderness trip with an element of danger attached. The operators and its agents will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss or delay by reason of weather or defect.