New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Opens Today!

 

The latest addition to the Great Walks of New Zealand is open and ready for hikers. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track in south Fiordland on the South Island has become New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk.

On Friday 25th of October, the Ngāi Tahu (local Māori people), other community members, and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka celebrated the hard work of the Tuatapere community with the official opening of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track as the 11th Great Walk in New Zealand.

‘The upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring conservation, recreation, and economic benefits to the region’, Mr Potaka says.

The isolated Tuatapere area experienced economic downturn when native logging was banned in the mid-1980s and NZ Forestry Services left the region, so the local community had to create a viable replacement. From a bold idea, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track evolved into reality.

When the New Zealand Department of Conservation wanted to add the 11th Great Walk to its list of premier tracks, it secured government funding and consulted the New Zealand community on which trail should be selected. Thirty tracks were nominated and narrowed down to three and the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track was ultimately chosen to be the next Great Walk.

The track has received $7.9 million in funding for multiple improvements, including future-proofing sections of the track against climate change and natural hazards, and developing alternative routes.

Inclines have been eased and new boardwalks installed, as well as a new swing bridge. The trailhead now also features a Waharoa/gateway to the track to welcome visitors.

Swingbridge and Edwin Burn Viaduct

What Walkers Can Expect on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 60km loop at the southern end of Te Rua-o-te-moko Fiordland National Park. The three-day track has two lodges – Ōkaka and Port Craig. Each day is roughly 20km long with the potential of two side tracks to Port Craig settlement and Ōkaka loop walk.

The view from a lookout towards Luncheon Rock

‘The trail weaves through diverse landscapes, including, beaches and seascapes, native forest, and an alpine section. It also provides opportunities to spot Hector dolphins and see the southern lights – the Aurora Australis’, said Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

‘The area has rich stories, and new installations on the trail will tell them. This includes the stories of tangata whenua and the forestry heritage, as well as the viaducts and Port Craig’, he said.

The view from above Okaka Lodge

For keen trampers eager to experience the new Great Walk, there are numerous ways to experience the Hump Ridge Track:

• Freedom Package – walking the track at your own pace with shared accommodation at Ōkaka and Port Craig Lodges
• Prime Package – for those looking for a little luxury but still walking the track independently at your own pace.
• Guided Package – for a fully catered guided experience
• Combining the walk with helicopter transport or a jet boat ride

The variety of walking options helps people to experience the culture and unique nature of the south coast of the South Island.

Photos thanks to Department of Conservation