Southland’s Hump Ridge Track is about to become New Zealand’s eleventh Great Walk. Lead guide Catherine Hedgebeth explains what to expect.

Southland’s Hump Ridge Track is a three-day, 61km subalpine loop over historic viaducts and along the coast. It was built by the Tūātapere community in response to a logging ban and opened  in 2001. In 2019 it won a bid to become New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, and DOC has since invested $7.9 million to bring it up to Great Walks’ standard. 

The track is still run by a community trust, and this year it will open its first Great Walks season on October 25.

Have prices increased?

Pricing for a Freedom Walk package is unchanged for 2024–25: $395 for two nights in an 8-sleeper shared room or  $445 in a 4-sleeper shared room. However, prices of Prime and Guided packages have increased to $995 for three days.

What has changed for walkers? 

The track has been greatly improved. The Hump Ridge Track was built by volunteers 25 years ago and had become eroded in parts. Boardwalks and steps have now been installed in the more primitive areas and portions of the track have been re-gravelled, making it a more pleasant experience. 

Interpretation panels have also been improved. These tell the natural and cultural history of the area, the history of the Māori lands passed through, plus the history of Port Craig in the 1920s.  

Is construction still ongoing?

The historic tramway section between Percy Burn Viaduct and Port Craig has traditionally been the most muddy and may still have some ongoing work in the early part of the season. 

The new swingbridge is complete, and it will allow walkers to bypass the Edwin Burn Viaduct should that structure become unsafe. At the moment, the viaduct is still usable.

Can walkers still fly to Okaka Hut or have packs choppered in?

It’s still possible to take a helicopter to Okaka Hut and walk from there. Our  Prime package includes flying packs to Okaka Hut. Freedom walkers can pay  separately for their packs to be helicoptered in. Guided walkers also receive that as part of their package. 

Any other changes to be aware of?

What’s not changing is worth mentioning. Our lodges were already at a high standard, so no upgrades were required. 

Our kitchens are fully equipped, food and drink is still available for purchase, and we still have the same number of private rooms. Also, both Okaka Hut and Port Craig Hut are fully wheelchair accessible. We’ve had people with mobility issues fly in and stay at both huts. That’s unique to the Hump Ridge. 

Is a party planned to mark the change of status and will Tūātapere sausages be on the menu?

Plans are still in the works! The famous Tūātapere sausages are a part of every Hump Ridge celebration.