New Zealand Walking Tour:
Hump Ridge Track
Where
Tuatapere to Tuatapere
Duration
Fitness
NZ$2195
Tour Dates:
- Start Date Status
- Tuesdays and Fridays in season
Tours available November until Mid-April.
Filling quickly. Please call to secure your booking.
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Welcome to New Zealand’s latest Great Walk.
Embark on a spectacular 3-day loop walk that showcases the best of New Zealand’s wild south. Journey along rugged coastline, climb to the sweeping sub-alpine heights of the Hump Ridge, follow the ridge line with panoramic views, then descend through lush native forest—crossing dramatic, historic viaducts along the way.
Trek through the ancient Waitutu Forest in Fiordland National Park, once dubbed by botanist David Bellamy as “probably the most important forest in the world.”
Adventure, nature, and pure Kiwi magic. What more could you want?
Tour Itinerary
NZ$2195
Pre Tour
Location: Tuatapere
Accommodation: Last Light Lodge
Your Hump Ridge adventure starts with check-in at the Track Office, 31 Orawia Road, Tuatapere by 5:30pm on the day prior to your walk start.
Here you will meet your guides and fellow walkers for an in-depth briefing about the days ahead. It’s the perfect chance to get excited, ask questions, and get to know your hiking crew.
Then check in to your accommodation at last Light Lodge for the night.
You’re welcome to join your guides for a dinner at Last Light Lodge (meal is an additional cost) or you can make your own dinner plans.
We’ll email you more details about the dinner and what to bring before your walk.
Day 1 Tuatapere to Okaka Lodge
Distance:
12km
Accommodation: Okaka Lodge
Your Hump Ridge adventure kicks off with a shuttle ride to the helipad, where you’ll board a breathtaking helicopter ride over Te Waewae Bay. You’ll land at Flat Creek, ready to hit the trail!
Your main pack (max 10kg) will be flown ahead to Okaka Lodge, so you’ll only need to carry lunch, water, wet weather gear, and any essential medication on Day 1. You can bring a small daypack for this, which can later be packed inside your main pack, or you’re welcome to borrow one from us for the day.
Your main pack stays with you for Days 2 and 3, and you need to carry it yourself so make sure only to pack the essentials. Extra bags can be stored at our office. Driving? You can safely park at the Lodge.
The track climbs through lush forest that shifts with the altitude, leading to Stag Point, where the trees part and the bay comes into view again, this time from above. On a clear day, you’ll spot islands off the South Coast, Fiordland’s rugged mountains, and sparkling lakes.
At the top, Okaka Lodge welcomes you with epic views, a hot shower, and hearty home cooked meals. Kick back, relax, and soak up the magic, you’ve earned it!
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 2 Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge
Distance:
20 km walking
Accommodation: Port Craig Lodge
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail and head down the Hump Ridge, with epic 360° views of Te Waewae Bay, the wild South Coast, ancient Waitutu terraces, and the mountains rising behind them.
As you cross the towering wooden viaducts, imagine the grit and determination of the men who built them 100 years ago. Your guide will share fascinating tales from the 1920s, when Port Craig buzzed with life as a busy sawmill town.
Once you reach Port Craig, you’ve got options—follow the interpretive trail through historic relics, or stroll down to the beach where you might spot playful Hector’s dolphins gliding through the surf near the old wharf poles.
At day’s end, your lodge manager will greet you with a warm welcome. Kick off your boots, relax, and soak in the stunning coastal scenery from your new home for the night.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 3 Port Craig Lodge to Tuatapere
Distance:
20 km walking
To wrap up your adventure, you’ll first trek beneath the lush native bush canopy, then stroll along stunning golden beaches, including the famous Blowholes, where waves roar through a ring of rocks for a truly spectacular finale to your journey.
You’ll finish by walking back along the very coastline you soared over on your helicopter ride, this time experiencing it up close at beach level. A perfect way to relive the magic one last time.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
Our modern backcountry lodges at Okaka and Port Craig are in superb locations. At almost 1000m, Okaka Lodge is the highest point on the track. Port Craig Lodge is at sea level. The lodges are multi-share bunk rooms, if private accommodation is requested, an additional fee per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the tour.
- Night 1: Bed and breakfast accommodation with local hosts. Comfortable private rooms with shared bathrooms.
- Night 2 & 3: Accommodation is provided in backcountry Lodges which feature gas heating & cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets and shared bathroom facilities. Those of you who have booked multi-share accommodation will be in rooms which sleep a maximum of 4 people while the Private rooms are either Twin or Double. All linen is provided.
The following are not available at the lodges:
- Three point power plugs
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Refrigeration
- Freezer
- Clothes washing facilities
Lodge Bar & Shop:
Both Okaka and Port Craig Lodges have a licensed bar and shop where you can buy a range of New Zealand wine and beer, as well as snacks, refreshments and dehydrated meal pouches. Take some cash or a credit card with you (sorry, no EFTPOS available)
We stock a selection of beers and wines. As our liquor licence is an “on-licence”, it is not permitted to “Bring Your Own”, you must purchase all alcoholic beverages from our bar.
Please Note: Contents of the shop may change from time to time.
An experienced guide
Your Guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who will explain the natural and human history of the area. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient and friendly service. All Guides are trained in First Aid and are in radio contact with each other, the Lodges and the office at all times. Your safety and comfort is paramount and your Guides may have to adapt the day’s walk depending on the groups’ fitness and weather or track conditions. While they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if circumstances demand this.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; meals include cooked breakfasts, packed lunches and 3 course dinners. There is fresh fruit available and snacks are also supplied for your walk. If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Safety and Risk Management
Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Transport
Transport from Tuatapere to begin your walk, including helipack of your gear for the first day.
Please note: Days 2 and 3 you carry your own pack.
Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
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