New Zealand Walking Tour:
Hump Ridge Track
Where
Tuatapere to Tuatapere
Duration
Fitness
NZ$1,995
Tour Dates:
- Start Date Status
- Every Friday
Tours available November until April.
Please call to secure your booking.
Share this tour:
A special walk through a precious southern forest.
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track Walk in the Fiordland National Park in the South Island of New Zealand, is tucked away in the Waitutu forest, an ancient native forest on marine terraces. The Waitutu Forest was famously described by botanist Professor David Bellamy as ‘probably the most important forest in the world’.
This guided walk over moderate terrain is in the heart of south-west New Zealand’s Te Wahipounamu area — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearest town is scenic Tuatapere on the mighty Waiau River. One of its best features: a lovely domain featuring tranquil native bush walks.
Mountains, rivers, birdlife, and virgin podocarp forests abound. Come and enjoy one of New Zealand’s wildest and most beautiful areas.
Tour Itinerary
NZ$1,995
Pre Tour Pre Tour
Location: Tuatapere
Your Humpridge Track experience begins with check-in at the Humpridge Track office at 31 Orawia Road, Tuatapere , please check in by 5.30pm , after which you can head to your pre-departure Bed & Breakfast accommodation at the Last Light Lodge at 2 Clifden Highway, Tuatapere.
Meet your guides and fellow walkers at 6:30pm at the Last Light Lodge. There you will be given a comprehensive account of what to expect on your walk. Afterwards, you may choose to join your guides for an optional dinner at the Last Light Lodge (additional cost applies) or make your own arrangements for dinner. We will be in touch by e-mail prior to your walk with further details on the optional dinner.
Day 1 Tuatapere to Okaka Lodge
Location: Okaka Lodge
Distance:
12km walking - 5 to 6 hours
On the morning of departure, the Humpridge shuttle will collect you from the Last Light Lodge where you will begin your trip with a short drive to the helipad. You will board the helicopter for a scenic ride across Te Waewae Bay alighting at Flat Creek. Your pack will be flown to the lodge at Okaka and you will carry just your wet and cold weather gear, your lunch, water and any essential medication.
Please note there is a maximum weight of 10kgs per helipack. This pack is the one you will carry on Day 2 & Day 3 so keep it as economically packed as possible. Remember you are the one who will carry it for the next two days. You may store your excess baggage at our office. If arriving in your own vehicle, it can be left parked safely at the Last Light Lodge.
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 neighbouring 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, and of course, take a hot shower. You will feel at home with our lodge managers’ home cooking and hospitality.
Day 2 Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge
Location: Port Craig Lodge
Distance:
20 km walking - 7 to 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 mighty wooden viaducts on the way to Port Craig Village, consider the men who built them almost a century 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.
- Note: On day 2 and 3 you have to carry your own pack
Day 3 Port Craig Lodge to Tuatapere
Distance:
20 km walking - 5 to 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.
Note: On day 2 and 3 you have to carry your own pack
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 Lodges also 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. 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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