Introduction Located in the South West of the South Island the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track offers a new and still undiscovered corner of New Zealand. The 3-day hike is along coastal terraces and up on to the Hump Ridge that borders Fiordland National Park World Heritage Area. Coastal, bush and sub alpine scenery combined with interesting local history and spectacular sunsets make the Hump Ridge track an incredible experience. On the track accommodation is in modern back country huts featuring gas heating and cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets, hot showers and drying rooms. All meals are provided and your track guide will even cook you porridge for breakfast. Rooms are twin singles or super king with shared facilities and all linen is provided. A self-contained cabin with ensuite and kitchen are available as an upgrade option. A heli-packing service takes your pack by helicopter between huts, which means you need only carry a small daypack whilst walking each day.
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Tuatapere The Hump Ridge Track experience begins in the township of Tuatapere, just a short drive from Invercargill, Te Anau or Queenstown. Meet for a 7:30pm dinner, along with a short briefing by your guide, at your accommodation, Waiau Hotel. Day 2: Tuatapere to Track Burn and Okaka Hut Track Transport departs Tuatapere 7.30am for Bluecliffs Beach and the Track Burn. The track follows the coast before heading inland at Flat Creek. Climbing steadily up to the Hump Ridge, bush gives way to sub alpine tussock grasses and finally the Okaka Hut (890m). Take the Loop Track for awesome panoramic views amid massive sandstone tors and mountain tarns. Walk 5 - 7 hours / 13km Day 3: Okaka Hut, Percy Burn Viaduct and Port Craig Village Traversing along the Hump Ridge, descend through ancient marine terraces of beech and podocarp forest to the coastal track near the Edwin Burn viaduct. An old logging tramway leads across the massive Percy Burn viaduct, the highest remaining wooden structure of its kind in the world, to Port Craig Village. Walk 7 - 9 hours / 19km Day 4: Port Craig Village to Track Burn and return to Tuatapere Explore this pioneering village with a chance to see the rare Hector dolphin by the old wharf. Walk coastal forest tracks and beach sections back to Track Burn where you can catch the Track Transport to Tuatapere. Walk 3 - 5 hours / 11km
