Bookings are essential.
Located at the bottom of the South Island, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track takes you through one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular and remote locations.
What sets the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track apart from the other Great Walks is that this hike offers a few optional extras. They come in the form of clean linen, hot showers, and three-course meals – and if you really want to go all out, a helicopter lift to the summit on the first day.
As New Zealand’s newest Great Walk (opened in 2024), this incredible hike is yet to make it onto every enthusiastic hiker’s hit list – so you can still explore this corner of Fiordland National Park without the crowds.
The three-day loop track covers a broad cross-section of all this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, including an ample supply of deserted beaches, pristine forest, alpine tarns, and rugged mountain ranges with sweeping views of the region’s most celebrated feature: fjords carved from erosion-proof granite by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago.
The track is not only a wonderful slice of ecology, but it is also important to the local community. Opening at the turn of the century, it was built by volunteers over seven years in a bid to attract tourists and boost the local economy, which had been struggling after the decline of the timber industry.
This moderately challenging hike covers 60 kilometres (37 miles) of varied terrain, from flat coastal areas to steep mountain slopes.
Day 1, Rarakau car park > Okaka Lodge, 20 km (7–9 hours)
The first day takes you through varied terrain, beginning with a gentle coastal walk and concluding with a steep climb through podocarp forest to Hump Ridge. You’ll spend the night at Okaka Lodge, which – at 900 metres above sea level – offers panoramic views of the coastline, Fiordland, and, on a clear day, as far as Stewart Island.
Day 2, Okaka Lodge > Port Craig Lodge, 20.7 km (7–9 hours)
The track begins by following the ridgeline past subalpine tussock and striking limestone formations, before descending the summit through thick moss-covered forest. As you make your way to Port Craig Lodge, your home for the night, you’ll see historic viaducts that were once part of a logging tramway and the remnants of the old Port Craig sawmilling town.
Day 3, Port Craig Lodge > Rarakau car park, 20.2 km (5–7 hours)
Today, will be a mix of forest and beach walking, much of it flat and relatively easy compared to the first two days. Highlights include the Blowholes Beach and the chance to spot rare Hector’s dolphins at Te Waewae Bay.
Seasonal restrictions
The track is open for walking from 25 October to 21 April each year but closed over the winter due to inclement weather.
Fitness level
A moderate to high level of fitness is needed for this hike, which has some steep and rugged sections and requires long days of walking, roughly 7-8 hours.
Unlike New Zealand’s other great walks, Hump Ridge Track has fully equipped lodges with their own licenced bar and shop. Hikers can opt for a dorm or a private room. Each lodge sleeps up to 40 people and both have wheelchair access.
Your first night will be spent at Okaka Lodge, the highest point on the track. On day two, after making your way down to the coast, you’ll stop at Port Craig Lodge.
The track begins from the Rarakau Car Park at Blue Cliffs Beach in Te Waewae Bay, southern Fiordland.
Transport
The closest town is Tuatapere. From here, you can catch the Humbridge Shuttle or drive to the Rarakau Car Park. Vehicles can be left at the car park for $5 koha (donation).
Travel to Tuatapere by car or bus from Queenstown (2.5 hours) and Invercargill (1 hour). Flights are available to both Queenstown and Invercargill.
Tuatapere
Tuatapere is a rural town on the outskirts of Fiordland National Park. Here, you can find a bed for the night, along with plenty of places to eat out, including Tui Base Camp, which prides itself on its legendary Tuatapere sausages.
Tuatapere is also a great base from which to explore Fiordland National Park. For a complete list of walks, visit the Department of Conservation(opens in new window).
To walk this track, you will need to prepurchase a Walking Package at humpridgetrack.co.nz(opens in new window). Packages are available for every type of walker, from no frills, independent hikes to premium options that include catering, helicopter rides, and a personal guide.
Visit the Department of Conservation(opens in new window) or humpridgetrack.co.nz(opens in new window) for the latest information on the track, including updates on conditions, booking details, track closures, and hazards.
Inclement weather
Fiordland is known for unpredictable weather; therefore, pack for all weather conditions, regardless of the time of year. Check humpridgetrack.co.nz(opens in new window) for advice on what to pack.
Also, check the weather forecast(opens in new window) for the Hump Ridge Track before you begin.
Fitness level
A moderate to high level of fitness is required to complete this walk. It is also recommended that you complete some hill training, as the track includes a steep climb to 890 metres above sea level. For more tips, visit the humpridgetrack.co.nz(opens in new window).
The Land Safety Code
Follow these five simple rules, also known as The Land Safety Code(opens in new window), to help you stay safe when trekking or tramping in New Zealand's great outdoors.
Tiaki Promise
As a visitor to Aotearoa New Zealand, you have a responsibility to help us look after this beautiful country. Visit Tiaki Promise(opens in new window) to find out how to care for New Zealand.
