The Hump Ridge Track Hiking Itinerary

 
1

Rarakau Car Park to Okaka Lodge (22km/ 14miles)

Starting with a relaxing meander along the magnificent sweep of the beautiful Bluecliffs Beach where Hectors dolphins can sometimes be seen playing in the surf. Then enter the distinctive bush of Fiordland National Park and climb steadily toward Stag Point, the reward is a stunning view out across Te Wae Wae Bay to Stewart Island. A short climb to reach the summit ridge and the comfortable Okaka Lodge.

A 45 minute loop track takes you around the tors (rocky peak) and tarns (little lakes) with a grand view of Stewart Island, the wild Southern Ocean and the awe-inspiring wilderness of Southwest Fiordland. Watch out, the cheeky alpine parrot, the Kea, is often lurking in this area, set to pounce and steal anything you may leave unattended.

Stag Point
Accommodation:
Okaka Lodge is located just below the summit ridge of the Hump Ridge at 890m and commands extensive views eastward across Te Waewae Bay the Waiau Valley and the Takitimus. This provides the opportunity to experience spectacular sunrises which are a feature of the location.
Okaka Lodge

2

Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge (20km/ 13miles)

On the second day as you descend the hump ridge, Frog Rock looms in the distance as you head into the silver beach forests that have been consumed by leichen and moss, these altitude stunted and gnarled natives take on an unimaginable ghostly quality as one moves through in utter silence. Horror story over the rest of the day is hiking through vibrant bush, passing trees such as the magnificent rimu, rata and totara. The remainder of the day takes you through Maori land and over historic wooden viaducts following an old railway to reach  the accommodation for the night, Port Craig Lodge.

Frog Rock Hump Ridge
Accommodation:
Port Craig is the site of a sawmilling town which in the 1920s operated the largest and most modern sawmill in the country. The lodge forms an ideal base for exploring the history of the region. A pleasant day walk can be made to the Percy Burn Viaduct, at 125m long and 36m high the largest of the four wooden viaducts built to carry the tramline taking logs back to the sawmill at Port Craig.
Port Craig Lodge

3

Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau Car Park (17km/ 11miles)

To complete the hike, walk out under a virgin native bush canopy, along our beautiful golden beaches, there is one named ‘Blowholes’ because of the crown of rocks the waves blow up though as they crash ashore - spectacular to say the least! Hiking up to the coastal terrace, the track finishes at the car park from where you started.

PLEASE NOTE: This can be also done as a guided trip and options are also available to have luggage transferred by helicopter (often inexpensive if done in conjunction with other hikers).

Enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful forests in New Zealand.

Notes

The Humpridge Track Hiking Options 

1) The Classic Freedom Walk
 

Departs: Any weekday except Friday (3 Days / 2 Nights)
Cost 2018/19 Season: NZ$ 195 per person

Cost Includes:

  • Multi share accommodation at Okaka and Port Craig Lodges
  • Hot porridge and brown sugar for breakfast each day

2) Prime Package ( A Little bit of Luxury)
 

Departs: Thursdays* 3 Days/3 Nights

Cost 2018/19 Season: NZ$ 495 per person

Package inclusive of:

  • One night pre-walk B&B accommodation in Tuatapere
  • Heli packing Day 1 Rarakau to Okaka
  • Multi share accommodation at Okaka and Port Craig Lodges - Linen Provided
  • Hot showers with towel supplied
  • A choice of Back Country Cuisine dehydrated meal pouches – main meal
  • Hot porridge & brown sugar for breakfast each morning

3) For the walker wanting a fully Guided experience.
 

Departs: Fridays - 3 Days/3 Nights

Departing From Queenstown

Cost: NZ$ 1745 per person Multi-share
Cost: NZ$ 1945 per person Private Room

Departing From Te Anau

Cost: NZ$ 1715 per person Multi-share
Cost: NZ$ 1915 per person Private Room

Departing From Tuatapere

Cost: NZ$ 1645 per person Multi-share
Cost: NZ$ 1845 per person Private Room

Inclusive of:

  • Thursday night pre-walk B&B accommodation in Tuatapere
  • Transport from Tuatapere to begin your walk
  • A short helicopter flight to take you across Te Waewae Bay
  • Heli-pack your pack (max 15kg ) up the hill to Okaka on Day 1.

    Note: On day 2 and 3 you have to carry your own pack
     
  • Multi-share accommodation or Private Room & a hot shower with all linen supplied
  • Fully catered with cooked breakfasts, packed lunches and 3 course dinners.
    Snacks and fresh fruit also provided

Heli Hiking: We have a number of helicopter options to enhance your enjoyment of our beautiful scenery.

Heli Packing: Don't want to carry your pack? We have the Heli Pack option which makes your climb up the hill a lot more enjoyable.


This option is available for all walkers every Thursday.
For Heli packing on any other day contact us for pricing.

Price: $100 per bag Rarakau to Okaka
Days: Thursday

Heli Lift: Don't want to walk up the hill? We have a Heli Lift option where you can take in the beautiful scenery and arrive at Okaka Lodge with plenty of energy to explore the sub alpine Loop Track.

This option is available for all walkers every Thursday.
For Heli lifting on any other day contact us for pricing.

Price: $300 per person Rarakau to Okaka
Days: Thursday


Profile picture for user Judith
What Judith says about this tour: I love recommending this 3 day hike to my clients who are reasonably fit and who are craving a true wilderness experience. The awe-inspiring wilderness of Southwest Fiordland never fails to deliver.
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Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price