The Teal Bay Track links two of Fiordland's classic trail systems in one serious day: starting at the Rarakau Lodge trailhead, it follows the South Coast Track along the beach to Track Burn, then climbs over the alpine tops of Hump Ridge and drops down to Teal Bay Hut, on the shore of Lake Hauroko — New Zealand's deepest lake.
It's about 23 km all up, with roughly 1,300 m of climbing to over 1,000 m at the highest point — genuinely high alpine terrain, and the highest you'll get anywhere on this stretch of coast.
Rarakau Lodge sits right at the trailhead, so you can rest up before setting off and come back to a hot shower when you're done.
Route Sections
The first leg follows the coast on the South Coast Track. Total distance and elevation are from GPS track data; timings are estimates from on-the-ground reports and DOC signage, and can run long — budget extra.
The Climb Over Hump Ridge
Past Track Burn, the track leaves the coast and climbs through mature beech forest to sub-alpine tops on Hump Ridge, marked with orange snow poles — wet underfoot and hard to follow in places.
From the tops it drops back down through an old logging road on privately owned Māori land to Lake Hauroko, arriving at Teal Bay Hut on the lakeshore.
Highlights
- Crossing the alpine tops of Hump Ridge, the highest point on this stretch of coast
- A genuinely remote link between two of Fiordland's classic trail systems
- Finishing at Lake Hauroko, New Zealand's deepest lake
- A night at Teal Bay Hut, a 12-bunk hut right on the lakeshore
Where You'll End Up
Teal Bay Hut sits on the southern shore of Lake Hauroko, at 462 m the deepest lake in New Zealand. See our Teal Bay Hut page for bunks, facilities and photos.
Before You Go
This is a serious alpine crossing, not a casual walk-in. Good weather, fitness and solid backcountry navigation skills are essential — the tops are exposed, the track can be hard to follow, and conditions change fast in Fiordland.
Check current conditions with the Department of Conservation before you set out.
Getting There
The track starts at the Rarakau car park, right beside the lodge — the same trailhead as the South Coast Track and Hump Ridge Track. Leave your car with us free of charge for the length of your trip — see our Carpark page for details.