Description
Read a day by day description of the Hump Ridge Track.

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

This Great Walk is a partnership between the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust and DOC. The track and lodges are maintained and operated by the Trust.

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 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 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.