Humpridge Track

In November, 2008, we walked the Humpridge Track with our Swiss friends, Walter & Esther. The photos below were taken by Esther who is a talented amateur photographer.
























The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 3 day / 2 night circuit tramp that opened in 2001. 

The track is a mixture of beach, bush tracks and boardwalk. From beech forests at sea level all the way through to alpine flora and fauna on the top of the Hump Ridge.
A scenic loop track amidst sandstone tors and mountain tarns offers 360 degree panoramic views of Stewart Island, the Southern Ocean and the wilderness of Southwest Fiordland.

The track then descends along the Hump Ridge to the South Coast track, along old tramlines and across mighty wooden viaducts to historic Port Craig. Bush and beach tracks following Te Waewae Bay complete the circuit.

From an idea floated at a Tuatapere Promotions meeting in 1988 a charitable trust was formed to build the track and facilities, raising over $3 million and obtaining permission from private land owners and the government. The track is now run and maintained by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust, whose members are all volunteers from the community with a passion for the Hump Ridge Track and the future well being of the Tuatapere community.





Day One - along the coast and up the ridge to Okaka Lodge 19km 7- 9 hours























Starting at Rarakau the track follows the cliff tops along and then down to the shoreline.





















Walk the length of the beach before heading up onto the track surrounded by coastal native bush.






















 Then we head inland for Okaka.




























A gentle rolling walk along over the start of some boardwalk and bridges.





































Walter worrying if the bridge will carry his weight













Now for the harder yards, enjoy a steady climb up the ridge to Stag Point. This can be steep in places. You suddenly come to an opening - Stag Point.






 Take a breather  to enjoy the view.















Look across to Okaka Lodge, at 890 metres ( 2,920 feet ).










One hour to go











At the top, you should take the Loop (45 mins) to get a view of Lake Hauroko.














 Tors & tarn at top of Hump  Ridge















 View of Southland from Hump Ridge














You have made it to Okaka Lodge.

























 Best hut bedroom view in NZ?
















Put your feet up and have a cuppa or a cold one.










 A cold Chardy seemed a good idea












Day Two - Okaka down to the coast 19km 7 - 9 Hours

A day full of vistas and awesome sights.






















Walk along and down the ridge to the inspiring Luncheon Rock. A must photo opportunity.
Then head on down through native bush where majestic rimu, rata and totara trees flourish into the Edwin Burn.































In this area you are passing through private owned Maori Lands.

The Edwin Burn viaduct is the first thing you find once you have arrived at the tramline.
































This tramline was built over 75 years ago to transport logged native trees to Port Craig, the site of the sawmill.

Further down the line you come across the magnificant Percy Burn Viaduct. The largest wooden viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere, and truly an amazing engineering feat. This is now a World Historic Site. Take some time to get a true prespective of the men of the day achievements.

Follow the tramline through to Port Craig, watch out for the historical features along the way. The Port Craig Lodge is situated on the terrace just above the sea.


























Once you have settled in, take the time to pick up a Welcome to Port Craig brochure, take a stroll around the heritage trail and take a step back in time to experience what it was like to live in a sawmilling town in the early 1900's.


Day Three - The stroll along the coast and beach 17kms 5-7 hours

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coast to loosen up those leg muscles. The track takes you along through native bush and down to the beach for some sections.










































It weaves it's path around the bay until you meet the long beach walk to Rarakau.























Remember this part, yes of course it should seem familiar, you've walked it before.






But being the afternoon you may be lucky enough to spot the hectors dolphins in the surf. They appear to follow you along the coast. Watch out for the birdlife and the odd seal, penguin or two.

Up the last lot of steps and a gentle flat walk along to Rarakau.









Done it!











  

 If we put these on in the next
 3 months -  shoot us!