Hump Ridge Track
Facts and practical information
The Hump Ridge Track is a premier hiking trail that takes adventurers through some of New Zealand's most spectacular southern landscapes. This 62-kilometer loop trail is situated at the bottom of the South Island, in the Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It offers a unique blend of coastal and mountain scenery, with the opportunity to experience native bush, alpine ridges, and even historical viaducts.
The trek generally takes three days to complete, with well-maintained huts available for overnight accommodation. Hikers are treated to panoramic views of the wild southern coast, Stewart Island, and the Solander Islands. As they ascend, the track leads through ancient podocarp forests and sub-alpine tussock lands, culminating in the alpine zone of the Hump Ridge and Okaka Lodge, where the landscape offers 360-degree views that are simply breathtaking.
The Hump Ridge Track is not just a feast for the eyes; it's also steeped in history. The trail includes remnants of the area's past, such as the Percy Burn viaduct – one of the world’s largest surviving wooden viaducts. The track's history is a testament to the logging industry that once thrived in the region, and the efforts to preserve and share this history are evident along the path.
Southland