Hump Ridge Hits the Big Time: NZ’s 11th Great Walk
It’s official. The Hump Ridge Track, nestled in the rugged heart of western Southland, has earned the title of New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk. After more than 20 years as a tough-but-rewarding multi-day hike, this slice of wilderness has been polished to Great Walk status, thanks to a cool $7.9 million upgrade.
The upgrades don’t just bring a new shine—they raise the bar. Cedric Wedderburn, the head honcho at Tuatapere Hump Track Ltd, says the track has been drawing about 3,000 hikers each summer. With better facilities in place, they can now handle 5,000 trampers. “We’ve got the flexibility to grow that number even more,” Wedderburn says, eyeing the boost to the local economy the extra visitors will bring.
The transformation doesn’t just look good on paper either—the three-day trek is now a better experience from start to finish. The Department of Conservation (DOC) had announced the upgrade way back in 2019, but a medley of COVID lockdowns, supply chain holdups, and wild weather pushed the finish date out to 2024.
Aaron Fleming, DOC’s southern South Island operations director, confirmed the project stayed within budget and nailed its $7.9 million mark. They didn’t skimp either—the work includes new boardwalks, track surfacing, carpark upgrades, drainage fixes, and even a shiny new 58-meter swing bridge over Edwin Burn. With all the upgrades, this trail’s about to become a hot ticket.
The Journey Breakdown
• Day 1: Kicking off at Rarakau car park, you’ll follow the South Coast Track before hitting the Hump Ridge Track proper. It’s a steady climb through changing forests before you reach Ōkaka Lodge, perched in an alpine amphitheater. A side trip up to the Ōkaka loop gives you 360-degree views that’ll stop you in your tracks.
• Day 2: Head out from Ōkaka Lodge, weaving through weather-exposed ridges and dense forests. The route takes you over historic viaducts before winding down to Port Craig Lodge, a piece of Kiwi history on its own. Make time to explore the old settlement and the remains of its industrial past.
• Day 3: The final leg brings you along the South Coast Track, hugging Te Waewae Bay’s shoreline, where tidal surges keep things interesting. Watch the tides, especially around Blowholes Beach, and you’ll make it back to Rarakau car park with sand in your boots and stories to tell.
The Hump Ridge Great Walk upgrade is about to set a new standard for Kiwi wilderness adventures, and with its blend of views, history, and top-notch facilities, it’s sure to become a must-do.