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Hump Ridge Track

Humpridge

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 3 day / 2 night circuit tramp and you need to be fit! It climbs high on to the Hump Ridge and Okaka Lodge at 890 metres (2,920 feet).  A scenic loop track amidst sandstone tors and mountain tarns offers 360 degree panoramic views of Stewart Island, the Southern Ocean and the wilderness of Southwest Fiordland. The track then descends along the Hump Ridge to the South Coast track, along old tramlines and across mighty wooden viaducts to historic Port Craig. Bush and beach tracks following Te Waewae Bay complete the circuit.

The track is a mixture of beach, bush tracks and boardwalk. From beech forests at sea level all the way through to alpine flora and fauna on the top of the Hump Ridge. The all inclusive Guided Walk comes with your own personal guide, all meals and premium accommodation. Let us show you the way. Experienced guides take care of all arrangements and make sure you enjoy your back country journey.

Day 1 - 11kms 5-6 hrs walking

A scenic helicopter ride over Te Waewae Bay delivers you to the start of your walk. You will climb up to the top of the Hump Ridge, experiencing our beautiful bush first hand as it changes dramatically with elevation as you head up the ridge to the Stag Point where the trees part and you are welcomed by the beautiful bay once more - this time from a different perspective. Not far to the top of the ridge now and on a nice day you can see many of our neighboring islands off the South Coast and of course the Fiordland mountains and lakes nearby.

When you arrive at Okaka, our lodge 'on top of the world' all you will have to do is unwind as you admire the views, settle into your private room with super king bed and, of course, take a hot shower. You will feel at home with our lodge managers' home cooking and hospitality.

Day 2 - 19kms 7-9 hours

After breakfast you wander down the Hump Ridge, with 360 degree views of Te Waewae bay, the South Coast, Waitutu terraces and mountains behind them. While you are walking over the three mighty wooden viaducts on the way to Port Craig Village, consider the men who built them almost a decade ago. Our guide will share many stories from the days when Port Craig was a bustling sawmill town in the 1920's.

If you are interested in the history and relics that surround Port Craig, choose to take the interpretive trail or just meander down to the beach and spy our resident Hector's dolphins who live at the old wharf poles in the surf. Awaiting you at the lodge, our friendly lodge manager will welcome you to your room and you can put your feet up and once again enjoy their hospitality while taking in your new coastal backdrop.

Day 3 - 17km 5-7 hours

To complete the track, you will first walk out under native bush canopy, then along our beautiful golden beaches - one named Blowholes because of the ring of rocks the waves blow up though as they come to shore - a spectacular finish to a fantastic trip! Walk back along the section you flew over on day one, and enjoy it once again but at beach level.