Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks: a three-day, 61 km loop that starts and finishes at Rarakau Lodge, with nights at Okaka Lodge on the tops and Port Craig Lodge on the coast. It climbs from the shore of Te Waewae Bay through native forest to sub-alpine tussock tops with views out to Stewart Island / Rakiura, then comes back along the old Port Craig logging tramline and the coast.

Day one is 20.6 km (7 to 9 hours), day two 20.7 km (7 to 9 hours) and day three 20.2 km (5 to 7 hours), with two nights on the track.

Day 1: Rarakau Lodge to Okaka Lodge · 20.6 km, 7 to 9 hours

From the lodge the track runs through coastal bush and over the Waikoau swingbridge, then along Bluecliffs Beach to Track Burn and Flat Creek. From there it turns inland and climbs more than 900 metres, past the shelter at Water Bridge and the first big view at Stag Point, to Okaka Lodge on the tops, which looks out over Lake Poteriteri to Fiordland on a clear day. If you still have the legs, the boardwalk loop around the granite tors and tarns above the lodge takes about 45 minutes.

See day 1 on the map

Day 2: Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge · 20.7 km, 7 to 9 hours

The morning follows the ridge through stunted beech forest to the shelter at Luncheon Rock. The track then drops through tall rimu, rata and totara to the old tramline, crossing the Edwin Burn Viaduct and the Percy Burn Viaduct, one of the largest wooden viaducts in the world. Port Craig Lodge sits at the site of the old sawmill town, with a heritage walk, the old school hut and Mussel Beach, where Hector’s dolphins are often seen.

See day 2 on the map

Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau Lodge · 20.2 km, 5 to 7 hours

The coastal day. The track follows the shore and climbs over headlands between beaches, including Blowholes Beach, then rejoins the day one route at Flat Creek for the walk back along Bluecliffs Beach. It finishes at our door, with a hot shower, a meal and a bed a few steps away.

See day 3 on the map or read the full planning guide for each section in detail.

Distances and walking times are the Department of Conservation’s figures. Updated October 2026.

Rarakau Lodge is right at the start of the track. The trailhead is at the lodge, so there is no early drive on the morning you set off: have breakfast, pick up your lunch pack and walk out the door. Three days later you walk straight back in.

• Rooms for every group: the Deluxe Suite and Cali King for couples, twin rooms and bunk rooms for friends, the Family & Group Room, a single bed in a shared room if you are walking solo, or the whole lodge for a big group.
• Free parking for the whole walk: guests leave their car in our car park for as long as they are on the track, with 24-hour cameras and onsite security.
• Meals and lunch packs: dinner the night before, a cooked or continental breakfast, and lunch packs to take on the track (pre-order). See the menu, or cook for yourself in the guest kitchen.
• Last check before you go: Starlink WiFi and good cell coverage at the lodge for the forecast and a message home.
• A hot tub when you get back: spas are free with the Deluxe Suite and the Family & Group Room.

Check-in is from 2pm, so you can arrive the afternoon before, sort your pack and get an early night. Book the two lodges on the track first, then your room here for the night before, the night after, or both.

The track starts at Rarakau Lodge, at the end of Papatotara Coast Road in Tuatapere, western Southland. It is about 1 hour’s drive from Invercargill, 1.5 hours from Te Anau, 2.5 hours from Queenstown and 3 hours from Dunedin. Directions and drive times.

Without a car, Mel’s Shuttle runs door-to-door pickups from Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown to Tuatapere and the start of the track. Or hire a car: our guests get 10% off with GO Rentals at Invercargill and Queenstown airports, and Invercargill has some of the cheapest one-way $1 relocation deals in the country.

The lodges on the track run to a set season, so start with the track operator’s dates. Summer has the longest days and the most settled weather, and books out first.

Whatever the month, pack for wind, rain and cold on the tops: the ridge takes the weather straight off the Southern Ocean, and snow can fall at any time of year. For what to carry, see the packing list.