Hump Ridge Track 3-Day Hike – Why You Need to Experience New Zealand’s Newest Great Walk

Hike hut-to-hut across rugged beaches, through ancient forests, and atop sub-alpine mountains in southern Fiordland, New Zealand. Stay in cosy lodges run by the local Tuatapere community – and, if you need any more convincing, there’s the option for a hot shower and a cold beer at the end of each day!

 

Quick Overview

The Hump Ridge Track, New Zealand’s newest official Great Walk, is a 61km, 3-day loop walk in Tuatapere, southern Fiordland. The Tuatapere local community manages the trail in partnership with the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), so the Hump Ridge Track features some extra luxuries not found on other Great Walks.

Read more: New Zealand Great Walks – The Ultimate Guide

There are a couple of ways to walk the Hump Ridge Track. You can choose to be completely independent, staying in shared bunk rooms, or splash out on a fully catered guided experience (complete with heli pack transfers, three-course dinners, and a king bed upgrade – the dream!).

Hump Ridge Track Facts

Distance: 61km loop
Duration: 3 days (7-9 hours walking per day)
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,950m
Nearest town: Tuatapere
Don’t forget! Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website when planning any trip to make sure conditions are safe and routes are open

Sometimes boardwalk is just right

About the Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track opened as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk in October 2024.

The three-day loop walk takes hikers to a lesser-visited part of the South Island – the south-west corner. The trail loops over the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge, through native forest, along old tramlines, across historic wooden viaducts, and around rugged coastlines.

Unlike most other tracks, Hump Ridge is a privately managed operation. Two backcountry lodges with a few extra luxuries, run by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust, are in epic locations along the track. Several different walking packages are offered for hikers. 

I chose the ‘Freedom Walk’, meaning I walked the track at my own pace, carried my pack the whole way, and stayed in multi-share bunk accommodation (the cheapest option).

The track’s summer walking season runs from the end of October until the end of April. Outside of this, the walk is strictly closed. Freedom camping, or walking the track in the opposite direction, is not permitted year-round.

Day one, walking towards the Hump Ridge

History of the Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track was created by locals in the 1990s to help revive the small rural town of Tuatapere after the collapse of the forestry industry. 

Community volunteers laid boardwalks and built the first sections of the trail, which opened in 2001. In 2024, after significant upgrades in partnership with DOC, it joined the ranks of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Many community members have donated, and continue to donate, hundreds of hours to its upkeep and maintenance. Your trail fees help, too – any profits are invested back into the Tuatapere community to help fund local projects.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

The comfortable interior of Okaka Lodge

How to Get to the Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track starts and ends at the Rarakau car park, a 25-minute drive from the town of Tuatapere in southern Fiordland. Before starting your hike, stop by the track office in Tuatapere to check in and attend a briefing.

By Car

If you prefer to drive, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Queenstown, 1 hour 20 minutes from Te Anau, or 1 hour from Invercargill to Tuatapere. 

Private vehicles can be left at the Rarakau car park for a small donation. 

By Shuttle

Return track transport from Tuatapere to Queenstown, Te Anau, or Invercargill can be arranged via the Hump Ridge Track office.

Welcome to Fiordland National Park!

Where to Stay Along the Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track features two well-equipped lodges – Okaka and Port Craig – that offer the option to upgrade to private rooms, hot showers and linen, as well as a licensed bar!

You’ll spend your first night at Okaka Lodge. At almost 1000m, it’s the highest point on the track with spectacular views over the ocean that are particularly beautiful at sunset. 

Night two, you’ll stay at sea level at Port Craig Lodge, where it’s a short walk to enjoy a dip in the Southern Ocean (it’s common to spot rare Hector’s dolphins here, too!) .

Both lodges have a cosy living room with couches in front of the fire and a bar with drinks, dehydrated food and snacks for sale. They’re equipped with cooking equipment, heating, flush toilets and friendly hut wardens waiting to welcome you after a long day’s walk – plus there’s free hot porridge for breakfast and complimentary tea and coffee (pretty luxurious, right?).

Hump Ridge Track accommodation bookings need to be made through the Hump Ridge Trust website.

The view behind Okaka Lodge

Skill Level for the Hump Ridge Track

Intermediate – Advanced

Hump Ridge Track requires a moderate to high level of fitness. It’s best suited to people who have overnight hiking experience. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7-9 hours a day over challenging terrain with significant elevation gain.

That said, the Hump Ridge Track does offer options to reduce its difficulty. You can arrange helicopter pack transport, hire a sleeping bag or order meals from the lodges to keep down the weight you carry (all at an extra cost).

The track is generally well-formed and includes a heap of boardwalk sections, so navigating is straightforward.

Some muddy tramline walking on day two

Essential Gear for the Hump Ridge Track

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Extra warm clothing layers (even in summer)
• Waterproof jacket
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunnies
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Food (if not purchasing meals at the lodges)
• Water purification tablets or a filter
• Sleeping bag (or you can arrange to hire one)
• Head torch
• PLB

Please note! The weather changes quickly in Fiordland. You should be prepared for bad weather like high winds, whiteouts, rain, and very cold temperatures at any time of year.

Check out our guide to packing for an overnight hike

What It’s Like to Hike The Hump Ridge Track

Day 1 – Rarakau Car Park to Okaka Lodge

Distance: 20km
Duration: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: Approx. 1099m

I started the day bright and early, attending the mandatory pre-track briefing at the track office in Tuatapere at 7:30am. I was warned that I was in for a big day – today I’d tackle the majority of the track’s elevation, getting up to Hump Ridge.

Leaving my car at the Rarakau car park, I started the leisurely coastal walk along Te Waewae Bay. I was lucky enough to have pretty much perfect weather (a fairly rare occurrence in Fiordland, which averages 7m of rainfall per year, or 200 rain days). 

After about 10km, I started to climb steadily through the forest of Fiordland National Park towards Stag Point along the Hump Ridge’s hump. At Stag Point, I was rewarded with spectacular views across Te Waewae Bay towards Rakiura/Stewart Island (New Zealand’s third-largest island, 30km south of the South Island).

The final push brought me and my burning legs above the treeline to an open boardwalk section along the Hump Ridge. It’s safe to say Okaka Lodge was a welcome sight! 

While I didn’t splurge on a hot shower, I took full advantage of the little luxuries the lodge offered and curled up on the couches in front of the fire with a tea before watching the spectacular sunset over the Southern Ocean. 

Sunset over Okaka Lodge

Day 2 – Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge

Distance: 21km
Duration: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: Approx. 340m

After yesterday’s big day of elevation, I was looking forward to today’s majority-downhill walk. 

I enjoyed a bowl of complimentary porridge from the lodge for breakfast and set out along the top of the ridge. This was one of my favourite parts. I loved the easy boardwalk walking and panoramic views along the tops as I descended from Hump Ridge. 

The track then re-entered the forest to connect to the South Coast Track. It was here that I crossed a series of historic wooden viaducts and followed the track of an old railway towards Port Craig, an old sawmilling settlement.

Bitta history

From here, it was a short walk to the second night’s accommodation, Port Craig Lodge. 

I recommend wandering down to the beach from the lodge to try to spot Hector’s dolphins. I was lucky enough to spot some, but didn’t stay long, as the sandflies were out in full force!

Cosy Port Craig Lodge

Day 3 – Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau Car Park

Distance: 21km
Duration: 7-9 hours
Elevation Gain: Approx. 517m

After two big days of walking, day three on the Hump Ridge Track felt a bit of a struggle! But luckily, the walk was beautiful. 

I followed the track on the beach along Te Waewae Ba and ended up taking off my boots and walking barefoot along the sand for a while, as my feet were quite sore.

Returning to the car park at around lunchtime, I made a quick stop in Tuatapere town for some well-deserved snacks before driving back to Queenstown. 

Barefoot beach walking on day three

Tips for Hiking the Hump Ridge Track

• Always check the weather before you go. Ensure you’re properly prepared for cold and rainy weather, and be willing to turn back if conditions change
• Help keep this place beautiful – stay on marked trails and ensure you pack out all rubbish
• If you’re not splurging on a private room, bring earplugs as the dorm rooms can be noisy
• The sandflies can be quite savage in the Port Craig/South Coast Track section. I find covering up and limiting the amount of skin exposed (especially ankles, which sandflies seem to love!) is the best way to avoid bites. 
• Support local businesses in Tuatapere before and after your walk. Your visit helps to keep the small, rural community thriving

FAQs About the Hump Ridge Track

How long does it take to hike the Hump Ridge Track?

The Hump Ridge Track is a 61km, 3-day loop walk in southern Fiordland, New Zealand. Hikers typically walk 7–9 hours per day, staying in comfortable lodges each night.

What makes the Hump Ridge Track different from other New Zealand Great Walks?

Unlike most Great Walks, the Hump Ridge Track is privately managed by the local Tuatapere community in partnership with the DOC. It offers extra luxuries like cosy lodges, hot showers, private room upgrades, and even a bar – perks run by locals that you won’t find on other trails.

When is the best time to hike the Hump Ridge Track?

The Hump Ridge Track’s walking season runs from late October to the end of April. Outside of this, the track is closed for safety and conservation reasons. You can only hike it in one direction.

How do I get to the Hump Ridge Track trailhead?

The Hump Ridge Track starts and finishes at the Rarakau car park, about a 25-minute drive from Tuatapere. You can drive yourself and leave your car for a small donation, or book return shuttles from Queenstown, Te Anau, or Invercargill.

Looking for more Great Walks?

• The Rakiura Track is the Most Serene of New Zealand’s Great Walks
• How To Squeeze Three of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ Into Under Two Weeks
• The Magic of the Milford Sound Track (NZ)
• Rain Can’t Ruin the Routeburn Track, Right? (NZ)