Hump Ridge Track NZ, Tuatapere

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Hump Ridge Track - 4 days from Tuatapere

Officially opened by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, in November 2001, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track NZ is a 3 day / 2 night circuit tramp. 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 National Park. 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.

From an idea floated at a Tuatapere Promotions meeting in 1988 a charitable trust was formed to build the track and facilities, raising over $3 million and obtaining permission from private land owners and the government. The track is now run and maintained by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust, whose members are all volunteers from the community with a passion for the Hump Ridge Track and the future well being of the Tuatapere community.

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.

Let us show you the way, experienced  guides that take care of all arrangements and make sure you enjoy your back country journey along our piece of paradise.

Our guided  groups are a maximum of 10 persons.

Arrive in Tuatapere on your start date, have your pre-tramp briefing at 5.30pm at our office where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or a refreshing drink and a cheeseboard. Meet you fellow walkers, staff and guides. If you require day-packs or rain jackets these will be allocated then.

That evening stay in a quaint country Hotel or Homestay, with a cooked breakfast to get you off to a great start.

One great thing we offer is to helipack your pack or bag around the track, this means you only need carry a daypack with you and your luggage is tranported from lodge to lodge.

On the first day we offer a helicopter flight across the bay to the track. This will shorten your walking day by 2hrs and you might even spot the rare hectors dolpins playing in the surf.

Our guided walks include king twin share single or super king double private room at the Lodges, all linen and bedding provided. A refreshing hot shower is available in a shared bathroom.

 The evening starts out with nibbles or entree and a complimentary glass of premuim New Zealand Wine, then dining with gourmet meals of fresh New Zealand  produce, and a dessert that's a renowned kiwi favourite or two.

Next morning enjoy hot porridge with brown sugar or honey or a continental breakfast and take a filling lunch to have on your way.

If you have a non walking partner or friend they can take advantage of our Helilift option.....and have a hot drink waiting for you on arrival!

We recommend using a rental car, and travelling from Invercargill, Dunedin, Te Anau or Queenstown at the beginning or end of your walk. There is parking available in Tuatapere.

Itinerary

Day 1: - Arrive at Tuatapere
Report to the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track Office (31 Orawia Rd) for track and safety briefing, to pickup accommodation passes and maps etc. 

Day 2: Tuatapere, Rarakau Carpark, Okaka Lodge
Walk 7 -9  hours / 19km
Track Transport leaves at 7.30am from Tuatapere to Rarakau.
If taking your own vehicle we recommend the same departure time.

Starting at Rarakau the track follows the cliff tops along and then down to the shoreline. Walk the length of the beach before heading up onto the track surrounded by coastal native bush. Then we head  inland for Okaka. A gentle rolling walk along over the start of some boardwalk and bridges. Now for the harder yards, enjoy a steady climb up the ridge to Stag Point. This can be steep in places. You suddenly come to an opening - Stag Point. Take a breather to enjoy the view. Look across to Okaka Lodge, nearly there.

You have made it to Okaka Lodge. Put your feet up and have a cuppa or a cold one. The Lodge Manager will welcome you, show you to your room and help you out should you require any assistance.

After a short rest take the opportunity to go up to the top of the Hump Ridge and walk the "loop track". The views are to die for, a must do on your "bucket list". The sunsets are truly stunning. Make sure you do it if the weather is clear.  Some mornings it can be fogged in and you will regret not going the night before.

If you are an early risier, the sunrises are out of this world. Enjoy a morning cuppa on the front balcony and watch the day awaken before your very eyes.

Day 3: Okaka Lodge, Percy Burn Viaduct, Port Craig Lodge
Walk 7 - 9 hours / 19km
A day full of vistas and awesome sights. Walk along and down the ridge to the inspiring Luncheon Rock. A must photo opportunity.

Then head on down through native bush where majestic rimu, rata and totara trees flourish into the Edwin Burn. In this area you are passing through private owned Maori Lands. The Edwin Burn viaduct is the first thing you find once you have arrived at the tramline. This tramline was built over 75 years ago to transport logged native trees to Port Craig, the site of the sawmill.

Further down the line you come across the magnificant Percy Burn Viaduct. The largest wooden viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere, and truly an amazing engineering feat. This is now a World Historic Site. Take some time to get a true prespective of the men of the day achievements.

Follow the tramline through to Port Craig, watch out for the historical features along the way. The Port Craig Lodge is situated on the terrace just above the sea.

Once you have settled in, take the time to pick up a Welcome to Port Craig brouchure, take a stroll around the heritage trail and take a step back in time to experience what it was like to live in a sawmilling town in the early 1900's.

Day 4: Port Craig Lodge, Rarakau Carpark, Tuatapere
Walk 5 - 7 hours / 17km 

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast to loosen up those leg muscles. The track takes you along through native bush and down to the beach for some sections.

It weaves it's path around the bay until you meet the long beach walk to Rarakau. Remember this part, yes of course it should seem familiar, you've walk it before. But being the afternoon you may be lucky enough to spot the hectors dolphins in the surf. They appear to follow you along the coast. Watch out for the birdlife and the odd seal, penguin or two.

Up the last lot of steps and a gentle flat walk along to Rarakau.

Shuttle departs Rarakau Carpark at 3.00pm for Tuatapere and the completion of your journey.

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