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Other departures are available on request (including during winter) with a minimum of four people.
Children's rates apply to 10-14 years inclusive.
1 guide per 6 people

Please note Day 1 begins at 5:30pm in Tuatapere at the Hump Ridge office, 31 Orawia Street.

Maximum 10

Itinerary

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
Morning pick up from your accommodation. 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.

Grading & Fitness

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.

Guides & Safety

Your guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will explain the natural and human history of the area you are walking through. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient and friendly service. All guides are trained in first aid and are in radio contact with each other, the lodges and our office at all times. Your safety is of paramount importance and your guides may have to adapt the day’s walk depending on your fitness and weather or track conditions. While they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if circumstances demand this.

What to take

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