Hump Ridge Track

Highlights

Walk sections

1. 1

   Rarakau car park to Okaka Lodge

   Follow the South Coast Track around Te Waewae Bay, crossing the Waikoau River, Hump Burn and Waikoko Stream. Climb from coastal forest to mountain beech ridge into Okaka Lodge above the tree line.

   20.6 km

   8h

2. 2

   Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge

   South along Hump Ridge — undulating, exposed to weather. Pass Titahi (Luncheon Rock). Cross the historic Edwin Burn, Percy Burn and Sand Hill viaducts.

   20.7 km

   8h

3. 3

   Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau car park

   Tide-dependent

   Continue north on South Coast Track around Te Waewae Bay. South Coast Track is only accessible at low tide at Blowholes Beach — watch for tidal surges.

   20.2 km

   6h

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   6h

   Up to Okaka

   Bluecliffs BeachOkaka Lodge

   Distance

   20 km

   Elevation gain

   1000m

   Est. time

   6h

   A demanding first day climbs to the subalpine ridge with sweeping Southern Ocean views.

   Southern Ocean panorama from Okaka Lodge

2. 2

   Day 2

   5h

   Historic Viaducts

   Okaka LodgePort Craig Lodge

   Distance

   18 km

   Elevation gain

   200m

   Est. time

   5h

   Descend past the historic Percy Burn viaduct to the coast at Port Craig.

   Percy Burn viaduct and Hector's dolphins

3. 3

   Day 3

   6h

   South Coast Home

   Port Craig LodgeBluecliffs Beach

   Distance

   23 km

   Elevation gain

   500m

   Est. time

   6h

   Follow the remote Fiordland coast back to the start with chances of penguin sightings.

   Fiordland crested penguin spotting

Points of interest

• Percy Burn Viaduct

  Historic timber viaduct on the South Coast Track.

• Port Craig Sawmill

  Remains of the early-20th-century sawmill settlement with baker's oven and wharf piles.

• Okaka Loop

  45 min boardwalk loop encircling tors and tarns on Hump Ridge with 360° Western Southland views.

• Titahi (Luncheon Rock)

  Toilet and lunch shelter with water — a good break point between Okaka and Port Craig.

Tide-dependent crossings

Check LINZ tide predictions before you set out — crossings outside the safe window can be dangerous.

• Blowholes Beach (South Coast Track)

  Only accessible at low tide. Watch for tidal surges at all times.

Huts on this walk

1. Night 1LodgeSleeps 36

   Okaka Lodge

   BunksHot showersFlush toiletsCooked meals
2. Night 2LodgeSleeps 54

   Port Craig Lodge

   BunksHot showersFlush toiletsCooked meals

Getting there

Know before you go

Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.

• Fiordland weather

  Changes fast. Be prepared for high wind, low cloud, rain and very cold temperatures any time of year.

• Blowholes Beach tides

  South Coast Track only accessible at low tide at Blowholes Beach. Watch for tidal surges.

• Helicopter zones

  Stay off helicopter landing zones — regular activity in the Hump Ridge area.

What to take