Experience stunning beach, forest and mountain views on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.

Ways to walk this track

The Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust offers walkers a variety of ways to enjoy the track:

• Freedom Package – walking the track at your own pace with multi-share accommodation at Ōkaka and Port Craig Lodges
• Prime Package – for those looking for a little luxury but still walking the track independently at your own pace
• Guided Package – for a fully catered guided experience
• Combining the walk with helicopter transport or a jet boat ride

The lodges are operated by the Trust and offer a higher standard of accommodation than other Great Walk huts.

Learn more about walking options, upgrades and accommodation on the Trust website

Skills, experience and fitness needed

Hump Ridge Track requires a moderate to high level of fitness. It is best suited to people who have experience doing overnight hikes in New Zealand.

You need to be fit enough to walk for 7-9 hours in a day, over formed track, steps and boardwalk and with significant elevation gain. Unless you arrange helicopter pack transport, you need to carry all your food and gear. Meals can also be purchased in the lodges.

Track description

Day 1: Rarakau car park to Ōkaka Lodge 20.6 km (7–9 hr)

The Hump Ridge Great Walk begins at Rarakau car park. Follow the South Coast Track around the coast of Te Waewae Bay, crossing Waikōau River, Hump Burn (Stoney Creek) and Waikoko Stream.

Shortly after crossing Pipi Tuaraki Stream (Flat Creek), you turn right onto the Hump Ridge Track. The track changes from coastal forest to mountain beech ascending the ridge towards Ōkaka Lodge, which is situated above the tree line in a protected amphitheatre.  

Side trip: Ōkaka loop walk (45 min)

There is a boardwalk loop from Ōkaka Lodge, encircling tors and tarns on Hump Ridge. There are stunning 360 degree views of Western Southland.

Day 2: Ōkaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge 20.7 km (7–9 hr)

The track leads from Ōkaka Lodge southwards, following the Hump Ridge. It undulates through forest and open sections. These can be very exposed to the weather and care is needed in high winds.

Tītahi (Luncheon Rock) is a good place for a break. There is a toilet and lunch shelter and water here.

After Tītahi (Luncheon Rock), the track descends through forest to  meet the South Coast Track.

Follow the South Coast Track over the historic Edwin Burn, Percy Burn and Sand Hill viaducts and Tramline. The day ends at Port Craig Lodge.

Side trip: Port Craig settlement and wharf

From Port Craig Lodge, explore the remains of the Port Craig settlement. There is a short interpretative walk around the historic sawmill site. You can also see other historical relics, such as the baker’s oven and old wharf piles on the beach.

Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau car park 20.2 km (5–7 hr)

Continue north on the South Coast Track. The track leads around the edge of Te Waewae Bay and back to Rarakau car park.

South Coast Track is only accessible at low tide at Blowholes Beach. Watch for tidal surges at all times.

Fees

See fee information on the Hump Ridge Trust website.

Bookings

Hump Ridge Track bookings are made through Hump Ridge Trust website.

DOC hut passes cannot be used for these lodges.

The Hump Ridge Track starts from the Rarakau car park near Tuatapere in southern Fiordland. Tuatapere is 1.15 hr from Invercargill Airport, 1.5 hr from Te Anau and 2.5 hr from Queenstown.

Return track transport to or from Tuatapere can be arranged by contacting the Hump Ridge Track office. Cars are left at the Rarakau car park at the owner's risk.

Transport options from Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown are available through the Hump Ridge Track office.

Expect long days

Hump Ridge Track requires moderate to high fitness. The days are long (7-9 hours walking) and the terrain is challenging in places. Read about the track and make sure it is right for you.

Be ready for changeable weather

The weather changes fast in Fiordland. You should be prepared for bad weather at any time of year. This includes high wind, low cloud/whiteout, rain and very cold temperatures.

Always check the forecast before you go: Hump Ridge Track weather forecast – NIWA website.

Pack a waterproof raincoat, warm layers of clothing, and a scarf, gloves and warm hat.

Know the hazards on the coastal sections

Part of the Hump Ridge Great Walk is along the coast. There is a risk of:

• Tidal surges and rogue waves. Take extra care if you are walking the track at high tide. We recommended not proceed on the track if there are waves washing over or near the track.
• South Coast Track is only accessible at low tide in places. Watch for tidal surges at all times.
• Rockfalls and landslides.
• Tsunami. If there is a long or strong earthquake, go to high ground immediately.

There are wasps

Carry antihistamine medication if you have an allergy.

There is hunting in the area

Learn more about hunting in Fiordland National Park.

No mountain bikes or quad bikes

Mountain biking and quad biking is not allowed on this track.

No unauthorised drone use in the national park

Unauthorised use of drones is prohibited.

Stay off helicopter landing zones

There is regular helicopter activity in the Hump Ridge area. Do not access helicopter landing zones.

Hump Ridge Trust will provide you with a packing list once you have made your booking. You can also find the packing lists for the various walking options on their website.