It’s a new dawn for New Zealand’s Great Walks with the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track as the 11th edition of the official series. 

About the walk and its upgrades 

The looped 62-kilometre track, located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island, takes about three days to complete and is graded moderately challenging. 

Walkers will need to carry their own packs – the first day on the track involves a gradual 800-metre incline, so don’t skip staircase climbing or hill training in your preparation. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable it’ll be! (Check out the trip page for a detailed itinerary.) 

Parts of the track and hut facilities received a revamp in 2024, featuring upgraded boardwalks with storyboard installations that highlight the forest’s rich heritage. There’s also a new swing bridge and a beautiful Waharoa (gateway) at the trailhead to welcome walkers as they set off.

As one of New Zealand's finest and world-class short walks, you’ll trek through beach and seascapes, native forestry and dramatic sub-alpine scenery that changes with elevation.

Interested in seeing if this adventure is for you? Here’s what Great Walk travellers have shared about their journey. 

The Hump Ridge Experience: Real Traveller Reviews 

What is the trail like? 

‘Outstanding walk, with well-built boardwalks, endless stairs and epic, jaw-dropping views (in clear weather). Great accommodation and pleasant, helpful staff. 22 km days were quite challenging; would be better if there were a few more huts dotted along the trail to break the distance down, perhaps? ...Fantastic, friendly drivers, who were willing to drop us off at locations in town.’ – Frances Riddell from New Zealand. Travelled in: January | Rating: 4/5 stars 

Great walk - more challenging than expected but very rewarding indeed.

– Marco Corsi from Singapore 
Travelled in: February | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘The uphill wasn't easy, and the downhill was tough on the knees, but the views, scenery and birds made it all worthwhile... Highly recommended.’ – Kevin Jenkins from WA, Australia. Travelled in: January | Rating: 5/5 stars 

'We were very impressed with the Hump Ridge Track and highly recommend it!! The infrastructure improvements were great, with lots of boardwalks and steps to make the track easier. Interesting variety of terrain and high-quality lodges and guides.' – Steven Wakefield from Christchurch NZ. Travelled in February | Rating: 5/5

'This is a difficult hike, and you need to be walking fit. I am a keen and fit cyclist and thought that would be sufficient to carry me through - WRONG! Day 1, which is largely a climbing day (of some 1,000m) was challenging but satisfying. And the views from the top of the ridge near the first night's hut are truly spectacular. But the next day you have to drop down back to sea level and this is very difficult on the knees... It's a 21km day through pretty forest - but the forest is pretty well all you see - there are no other views after the first hour. Day 3 can be best described as a walking-out day. 20km - mostly flat, mostly uninteresting. The huts are good. The guides were pleasant. We were lucky and had very good weather.’ – Robert Joseph from Victoria, Australia. Travelled in: March | Rating: 2/5 stars 

The scenery, the varied vegetation from temperate rainforest to alpine grasses to the coastal rainforest - the walk itself satisfying and great on the body - the accommodation at the lodges, particularly Okaka Lodge (Day 1) was superb and delicious food.

– Mark Forstmann from Sydney, Australia 
Travelled in: December | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘This is a challenging trek with hugely picturesque views. Leg muscle strength is a key factor, and participants should complete the suggested preparation to ensure ease of travel.’ – Anne Dodd from NSW, Australia. Travelled in: February | Rating: 4/5 stars 

How is the accommodation on the track? 

‘We had an amazing hike! Okaka lodge was out of this world.’ – Allison Bloom from California, USA. Travelled in: January | Rating: 5/5 stars

Fantastic walk, lovely guides, greatly appreciated hot showers, good food and snuggly beds.

– Jenny Tait from Whakatane, NZ
Travelled in: April | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘The lodges were outstanding and far exceeded expectations. The walk was challenging on day 1, but everyone coped very well. Stunning scenery everywhere and total isolation and nature. a real highlight of our NZ trip, and we loved every part of it.’ – Mark Ware from London, UK. Travelled in: April | Rating: 5/5 stars 

What is it like to have a guided experience? 

‘This track is my best to date. You get everything on this trip. Great leader, great food, nice lodges and great staff at the lodges, snow, sunburn, lol wind, rain, mountains, beach, mud, and a very knowledgeable leader.’ – Charles Everhart, Jr. from Virginia, USA. Travelled in: April | Rating: 5/5 stars 

Excellent guides - not only providing great information, but also know the track so well that know when to do different side walls and if worth doing. They are also valuable keeping the team in harmony and up spirit.

– Ching Yeung from NSW, Australia 
Travelled in: March | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Hump Ridge. We had half a day of rain which was pretty good on balance. Very comfortable accommodation and as I’m sure you know “well above average“ meals! Leon and Alan gave us confidence and we’re definitely capable. The other aspects pick up and drop off etc went well. Thank you very much, not an easy walk at 74 years of age but with the luxury aspects, it made it a great walk! – H & C Smiley from Cambridge, NZ. Travelled in: April | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘Our entire experience right from our stay at the Last Light Lodge with an exceptional dinner, to our amazing guide Catherine, who is exceptional and needs a medal, to our drivers, to the special cooks and cleaners at the lodges, to the amazing Hump Ridge Track experience with the small group we shared this beautiful track with was the best yet. Keep up the great work everyone, we will be back.’ – Jillian & Darren Allen from Papamoa, NZ. Travelled in: February | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘A great trek, Hump Ridge is a challenging but not impossible trek with great guides and fellow hikers from around the world who want a challenge too. The most memorable moment was arriving at the hut each day.’ – Douglas Mohn from Texas, USA. Travelled in: January | Rating: 5/5 stars 

‘Our guide was extremely pleasant and informative. The small group makes for easy interaction and sociability for meals. The quality of the fare was faultless.’ – Anne Dodd from NSW, Australia. Travelled in: February | Rating: 4/5 stars 

You can experience the Hump Ridge Track guided with a small group of adventurous hikers or self-guided – i.e. travelling independently but with a more supported experience and some extra comforts. Book your experience now →