Hump Ridge Track

New Zealand's Great Walks have a new star: the Hump Ridge Track, a rugged 61-kilometer circuit that threads through ancient podocarp forest, across subalpine tops, and along wild beaches of the remote Southland coast. This is a multi-day tramp for those who crave solitude and big, moody landscapes – think dense rainforest draped in moss, the roar of the Tasman Sea, and panoramic views from the Hump itself. The track opened as a Great Walk in 2024, meaning well-maintained huts and boardwalks, but the weather remains ferociously changeable, so come prepared for four seasons in one day.

Highlights & What to See

• Summit of Mt. Hump (Te Rua-o-te-moko): The track's namesake peak rewards with a 360-degree spectacle of Fiordland's fiords, Stewart Island, and the Southern Alps on a clear day.
• Okaka Lodge: A modern, eco-friendly hut perched on the ridgeline with floor-to-ceiling windows – book ahead and savour the sunset over the ocean.
• Coastal Section: The final stretch along Te Waewae Bay is a wild, windswept beach walk where you might spot Hector's dolphins or sea lions.
• Ancient Rātā and Rimu Forest: The lower sections are a cathedral of giant trees, ferny gullies, and the haunting call of the kākā.
• Historic Viaducts: Remnants of the early-1900s logging railway, including the massive Percy Burn Viaduct – the largest surviving wooden tramway viaduct in the world.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for three days and two nights to complete the full loop at a comfortable pace. Most walkers start from the Rarakau car park, heading clockwise: day one climbs through forest to Okaka Lodge (5–6 hours); day two traverses the alpine tops and descends to Port Craig Hut (6–7 hours); day three follows the coast and river flats back to the start (4–5 hours). Fit trampers can do it in two days, but the weather gods often demand a flexible schedule – allow a spare day just in case.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fiordland National Park: A short drive away, Milford Sound and the Kepler Track are world-class additions to any South Island itinerary.
• Tuatapere: The small town at the track's gateway, known for its excellent café and as the 'Sausage Capital of New Zealand'.
• Riverton / Aparima: A historic seaside settlement with a beautiful estuary, ideal for a relaxed afternoon before or after your tramp.
• Invercargill: The region's main city, offering the Southland Museum, Oreti Beach, and great supplies for your hike.
• Stewart Island / Rakiura: A ferry ride from Bluff, this is a bird-lover's paradise and the home of the Rakiura Track.

Please check official sources for current details.