Hump Ridge Track
Hump Ridge Track
4.5
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 3 day loop walk that takes trampers along the south coast of New Zealand, up to the sub-alpine zone of the Hump Ridge, and over historic viaducts in the heart of native forest. Our two backcountry lodges are in superb locations, each offering a unique stopping point along the walk. We are the only walking track in Fiordland that offers upgrade facilities to independent trampers. Why not enjoy a hot shower and super king-sized bed on your tramp? You can also have your bag, or yourself, flown by helicopter. Each of our lodges has disabled facilities and wheelchair access from the helipad, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our wilderness. Walking packages from $245. Bookings are essential - contact us for more information or to make a booking.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
217 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
37
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10
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4
Terrible
2
jwatson03
Boston, MA13 contributions
Feb 2020
We discovered the Hump Ridge Track when our planned backpacking trips in Fjordland National Park were cancelled due to track closures. We were delighted with the Hump Ridge as an alternative. This 3 day-2 night tramp takes you from spectacular coastline through the fern forest and up to granite ridges and tors. The views, weather permitting, are outstanding, well worth the long hiking days.
Extensive sections of these trails have been left in their natural state, other than the addition of board walls to protect the vegetation - do not under estimate how strenuous they are especially when its been raining. A good level of fitness is required.
The huts are comfortable with shared bunk rooms and the option to take a hot shower (at an additional fee if you are on a self guided trip). We appreciated not having to carry in cookware and our own dishes and the camp store was well stocked with dehydrated meals (at comparable prices to the grocery store), sweet treats and beer/wine. The "hut masters" are knowledgeable and friendly and clearly experts at making porridge, a welcome breakfast before long days of hiking.
Hump Ridge has been selected as the 11th Great Walk so make the most of its relative anonymity and book a trip soon. You'll be glad you did!
Extensive sections of these trails have been left in their natural state, other than the addition of board walls to protect the vegetation - do not under estimate how strenuous they are especially when its been raining. A good level of fitness is required.
The huts are comfortable with shared bunk rooms and the option to take a hot shower (at an additional fee if you are on a self guided trip). We appreciated not having to carry in cookware and our own dishes and the camp store was well stocked with dehydrated meals (at comparable prices to the grocery store), sweet treats and beer/wine. The "hut masters" are knowledgeable and friendly and clearly experts at making porridge, a welcome breakfast before long days of hiking.
Hump Ridge has been selected as the 11th Great Walk so make the most of its relative anonymity and book a trip soon. You'll be glad you did!
Written April 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanka
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Hump Ridge Track (April 2022 - review)
I would like to share my experience with booking the Hump Ridge track last year in March/April 2022.
When I enquired about the track at the end of March 2022, the price for the bed was $295. I had to arrange leave from work to get the days off, so I picked the days in April 2022, as the track was closed from 25th April 2022 for maintenance.
In the meantime the Hump Ridge track webpage was upgraded and showed as Season 22/23 with the price $345, which obviously was not yet, as Season 22/23 stars after the maintenance break. I spoke with Mr. Cedric, which was not pleasant at all to deal with.
When I enquired about price difference, Mr. Cedric said that its already $345 (for multi-shared 8 beds) and "Thats the last spot. Leave it or take it"
When I arrived to Information Centre in Tuatapere, Mr. Cedric informed me that the last spot is in quad room, so its another $50, so I had to pay at the end $395 a considerable increase from the advertised price of $299.
Dont get me wrong, the hike is beautiful and I would like to thank Tuatapere's Community and volunteers who take good care of the track, but the price is way too expensive and unfair explanation regarding the price increase.
And at the end - I slept in the room with another 3 people, but there were other mattresses, so the room could accomodate up to 8 people.
I dont think this is a good behavior from the Community.
But the track is amazing, beautiful. Nature is so powerful and kind. ❤️
I would like to share my experience with booking the Hump Ridge track last year in March/April 2022.
When I enquired about the track at the end of March 2022, the price for the bed was $295. I had to arrange leave from work to get the days off, so I picked the days in April 2022, as the track was closed from 25th April 2022 for maintenance.
In the meantime the Hump Ridge track webpage was upgraded and showed as Season 22/23 with the price $345, which obviously was not yet, as Season 22/23 stars after the maintenance break. I spoke with Mr. Cedric, which was not pleasant at all to deal with.
When I enquired about price difference, Mr. Cedric said that its already $345 (for multi-shared 8 beds) and "Thats the last spot. Leave it or take it"
When I arrived to Information Centre in Tuatapere, Mr. Cedric informed me that the last spot is in quad room, so its another $50, so I had to pay at the end $395 a considerable increase from the advertised price of $299.
Dont get me wrong, the hike is beautiful and I would like to thank Tuatapere's Community and volunteers who take good care of the track, but the price is way too expensive and unfair explanation regarding the price increase.
And at the end - I slept in the room with another 3 people, but there were other mattresses, so the room could accomodate up to 8 people.
I dont think this is a good behavior from the Community.
But the track is amazing, beautiful. Nature is so powerful and kind. ❤️
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley_Mooney
Motueka, New Zealand61 contributions
Feb 2022
The Humpridge Track organisation in Tuatapere is the only way to book into the lodges necessary to walk the Hump Ridge Track. I booked their Prime package, which includes taking my belongings to Okaka Lodge, allowing me to walk with just a day pack on the first day. They simply left my belongings in the office! When the error was identified, at 2:30pm, they did not immediately bring the belongings up. Nor did they deliver them to Port Craig Lodge on the second day. They simply left them in the office for three days. I assumed that they would refund me the cost of Heli Packing option, but no. They took no responsibility, made no apology, and offered no refund. Indeed they tried telling me that it was my fault that they had not put my belongings on their helicopter. This is a strange and untrustworthy operation. You have been warned.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissSoloHiker
Vancouver60 contributions
Feb 2022
I just finished my birthday hike at the Hump Ridge Track! It is definitely worthy to be the next Great Walks! The food at both Okaka Lodge and Port Craig Lodge were delicious. I did Milford Track with Ultimate Hikes last month but I think the food at Hump Ridge lodges were better! The sunrise loop walk at Okaka Lodge was spectacular but freezing cold. The guide Catherine was so thoughtful. Once I told her at the pre-hike briefing that it was my birthday hike. She arranged a birthday cake with a "R" initial candle for me at the Port Craig hut! Also, when I was in my private room at the Okaka Hut, there was a big moth flying and flapping its wings inside my room. It was late but I managed to find Catherine in the lounge. She managed to save a "damsel in distress" by catching the flying moth so that I could have a good night sleep! Wasn't that a world class service ;-)
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MElliott_51
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand195 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This trip was amazing and accommodates all ages and fitness levels....plus the stunning views.Be aware it is a tramp and not a walk..quite different terrain and track quality. We chose to do this tramp with the guided option. The company were very organised and provided excellent assnistance especially when my husband could not manage the day 2 track..quick call and along came a helicopter to transport him to the 2nd lodge. I highly recommend this trip...especially when you can have the confidence of knowing this company will support your decisions and make them happen. Excellent lodges with great meals provided each day. Lots of history in the Port Craig area atound the lodge.Thank you to the team that looked after us so well.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hannah
Christchurch, New Zealand263 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Instead of sharing how much I like this track, I think the information below can be useful:
If you travel solo, staying at Last Light Lodge before and after will make things easy. It also provides great food and coffee.
Smartly packed and essentials carried.
The map (the last picture) having time and distance of each section from the track office seemed a very good guidance;
Train very hard on steep climb beforehand and it will make you enjoy hiking; (I am fit so the steep climb was easy for me, the time I actually took: the first day 6 hours, the second day 5 hours and the last day 6 hours, including plenty photos and videos stops)
4 minutes shower time rather than 3, hot water was great, shampoo provided;
Pack clean base layers for each day as you could be completely toasty.
Waterproof socks (Brand: sealskinz) kept my feet always dry; Make sure test the waterproof socks ahead, the warm weather and soft touch socks were as comfy as merino socks. Gaiters were useful for muddy terrain;
Sandflies net was plenty used;
Around Okaka lodge and the summit can be very cold and windy, down jacket/warm hat recommended.
Drinking water at least 1.5 L per day.
If you travel solo, staying at Last Light Lodge before and after will make things easy. It also provides great food and coffee.
Smartly packed and essentials carried.
The map (the last picture) having time and distance of each section from the track office seemed a very good guidance;
Train very hard on steep climb beforehand and it will make you enjoy hiking; (I am fit so the steep climb was easy for me, the time I actually took: the first day 6 hours, the second day 5 hours and the last day 6 hours, including plenty photos and videos stops)
4 minutes shower time rather than 3, hot water was great, shampoo provided;
Pack clean base layers for each day as you could be completely toasty.
Waterproof socks (Brand: sealskinz) kept my feet always dry; Make sure test the waterproof socks ahead, the warm weather and soft touch socks were as comfy as merino socks. Gaiters were useful for muddy terrain;
Sandflies net was plenty used;
Around Okaka lodge and the summit can be very cold and windy, down jacket/warm hat recommended.
Drinking water at least 1.5 L per day.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5Alex57
Wellington, New Zealand23 contributions
Jan 2022
Just finished the Humpridge on Jan 9th , we were a group of 6, 12 in total. We took the guided option and Catherine & Bree were outstanding. Professional, supportive and knowledgeable. The helicopter ride at the start was exciting and a first for many of our group and then the walk began.. We had superb weather and we were rewarded after an epic climb with stunning views from our Lodge followed by pre dinner nibbles and then a dinner that wouldn't be out of place in a wellington restaurant and then there was the hotel quality beds.!! Thank you to staff at both the Lodges as there was alot of work to be done to get everything ready for multiple groups coming through the track. The variety of flora and fauna on this walk was a bonus - from the grunt of the climb, to the walk along the ridge and then down to Port Craig on day 2 and then meandering through the bush before dropping onto the beach and a final climb on day 3 to get to the end of the track where the van was waiting ( and then it started to rain!) Do it- !
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James D
Wellington, New Zealand21 contributions
Dec 2020
This is a challenging but rewarding hike, the second half of day one, and the second half of day two, are tough going but manageable, whilst the rest of the days are good hikes especially along the board walks. The lodges are a real treat, with open fires, store cupboards full of treats, including an extensive range of wines and drinks. The beds are super comfy with fresh crisp linen which feel like paradise at the end of a long hike. The staff at the lodges are incredibly friendly, with a special mention to Anthony who managed to make everyone laugh. Ensure you pack for every eventuality, on day two of our hike we woke up to temperatures of minus 2 C and about 10cm of snow, and this was the middle of December!
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Auckland, New Zealand44 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
We walked the three day two night walk as a family with three kids 15, 13 and 10. It was a challenging walk due to the mud, the gradient and the 24km of day two.
The huts were fantastic as were the staff who worked there. They warmed us up and made us feel welcome.
The weather did not permit many of the fine views but when we did see from some of the vantage points they were magnificent. The beach at Port Craig allowed us to see Hectors Dolphins and the walk on the final day is a little more forgiving.
It was a concern that the mud and challenging nature of the track was damaging the bush, I hope DOC can improve this.
The huts were fantastic as were the staff who worked there. They warmed us up and made us feel welcome.
The weather did not permit many of the fine views but when we did see from some of the vantage points they were magnificent. The beach at Port Craig allowed us to see Hectors Dolphins and the walk on the final day is a little more forgiving.
It was a concern that the mud and challenging nature of the track was damaging the bush, I hope DOC can improve this.
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candy
68 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Due to poor weather conditions this experience wasn’t as good as it could have been for us. We are aware that the weather played a major part in our disappointment of this walk. It rained the first two days and the heli couldn’t get up too drop our bags off the first day. There were no views what so ever at the top.
Day one is a good long walk. We saw dolphins swimming along the way. The final hour or two is difficult but manageable. This day took us 7 hours and we have a medium level of fitness.
Day two I found more difficult on the knees with all the downhill and stairs. This day took us 7 1/2 hours.
Day three I woke with sore legs, the remaining walk was long but it was nice to walk along the beach towards the end. This day took 6 1/2 hours.
The views and forest along the way were great and the lodges comfortable. The track gets very muddy and boggy in parts. Also there is alot of stairs and boardwalks.
Poles are a must.
We enjoyed the experience but felt with the weather we slogged it up there and back down again for no benefit (experience aside).
The staff are fantastic all the way along. Very friendly and knowledgeable of the area.
I would have liked to have been told the heli possibly wouldn’t get up there as it was only a couple hours after we left it was meant to fly.….(I’m aware that I should have prepared better for this). Transport to and from Queenstown was abit mishmash and we had to get a ride to one place and then another would pick us up then we stopped to changed drivers etc, no one’s fault but if I went again I would take my own transport or fly in to Invercargill and get picked up from there as it is only an hours drive. It took four hours from Tuatapere to Queenstown on the return trip and when you are tired and abit over it this is a long drive.
Day one is a good long walk. We saw dolphins swimming along the way. The final hour or two is difficult but manageable. This day took us 7 hours and we have a medium level of fitness.
Day two I found more difficult on the knees with all the downhill and stairs. This day took us 7 1/2 hours.
Day three I woke with sore legs, the remaining walk was long but it was nice to walk along the beach towards the end. This day took 6 1/2 hours.
The views and forest along the way were great and the lodges comfortable. The track gets very muddy and boggy in parts. Also there is alot of stairs and boardwalks.
Poles are a must.
We enjoyed the experience but felt with the weather we slogged it up there and back down again for no benefit (experience aside).
The staff are fantastic all the way along. Very friendly and knowledgeable of the area.
I would have liked to have been told the heli possibly wouldn’t get up there as it was only a couple hours after we left it was meant to fly.….(I’m aware that I should have prepared better for this). Transport to and from Queenstown was abit mishmash and we had to get a ride to one place and then another would pick us up then we stopped to changed drivers etc, no one’s fault but if I went again I would take my own transport or fly in to Invercargill and get picked up from there as it is only an hours drive. It took four hours from Tuatapere to Queenstown on the return trip and when you are tired and abit over it this is a long drive.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the carpark at Rarakau reasonably accessible with a van? We're going to do the track mid-end January and not sure whether to book transportation service from Tuatapere or not.
Written September 17, 2016
its a gravel road and easily accessible in any form of transportation :) have an awesome time!
Written September 17, 2016
We are booked to walk the 3 day Hump Ridge in March. Can you advise approximately what time we will reach Tuatapere on the final day. We need to catch a 4.35pm flight home from Invercargill that afternoon.
Thanks
Written October 21, 2015
Humpridge T
Tuatapere, New Zealand
For those that are getting transport they are usually picked up at about 2:30pm. A lot are off before then. If you leave early enough from Port Craig you would make it, although it would be fairly tight all the same.
Written November 2, 2015
We are booked to walk the 3 day Hump Ridge in March. Can anyone tell me approximately what time do you reach Tuatapere on the final day. We need to catch a 4.35pm flight home from Invercargill that afternoon. (Invercargill is an hour's drive away) Is this achievable?
Written October 21, 2015
Cedric W
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hi,
You should reach the Rarakau Car Park [start/end of track], by around 2.30pm on the last day, and you would need about 1.5hrs at least to get to Invercargill Airport, so you are cutting it fine.
A solution would be to leave the Port Craig Lodge earlier than normal, say by 7-7.30am.
Cheers
Written November 16, 2015
We're trying to decide between Humpridge and Hollyford Tracks. Could someone who has done both compare and contrast them?
Thanks,
Matt
Written March 9, 2015
My friend and I did both walks in the last 3 weeks. We stayed at the DOC huts on the Hollyford hence carried everything we needed and opted for the Freedom Walk with additional options of twin share rooms, helipack on day 1, hot showers, purchasing of snacks etc. at the lodges and the jet boat ride out on the last day for The Humpridge. Both are stunning wilderness experiences.
The Hollyford has a long walk the first day; it is flat but you have to carry a heavier pack. We expected a lot more people on the track than what there were and we shared the huts on 3 nights with only one other couple. Didn't see anyone else all throughout the day. You don't need to take a tent (if the mattresses are all taken you can sleep on the hut floor) or mattress (check the transport people before you go and they'll tell you how many people they're transporting which will tell you how many people are on the track. Distances are shorter on The Hollyford although day 3 (Demon Trail) is deceptive - it's not a flat cattle track as indicated - if you're not going up, you're going down and it's on natural creek courses often with lots of slippery rocks underfoot. There's plenty of water along the way for water bottles. It's a very special place and Martins Bay is stunning - well worth getting in early and exploring in the afternoon or staying over an extra night. The plane ride out up the coast and into Milford Sound is fantastic.
The Humpridge is longer days - at least 20 each day. The last couple of hours on day 1 is the steepest but well worth it. The views from the very top are truly spectacular. There's a lot of board walk on day 1 and 2 which we liked because it makes the walk quicker and you can look around as you walk and take in the surrounds. The ground is very fragile up there and plant life easily damaged. The walk along the tram lines seems to take forever at the end of day two. Day three we walked back along the tram lines to the mouth of the Wairaurahiri river and had an excellent lunch of venison, sausages and salads then an amazing jet boat ride up 30 kms of level 1, 2 and 3 rapids. You then go across Lake Hauroko and get driven back to Tuatepere. We loved it! The wilderness is spectacular. I can't recommend one over the other because they're both different but I think the isolation of The Hollyford really touched me and walking along the valley out to the ocean. Maybe you can do both???
Written March 10, 2015
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