Hump Ridge Track Prime Details | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

Tour Details

Start

Start: Last Light Lodge (your pre night accommodation in Tuatapere) 2 Clifden Highway, Tuatapere.

Finish

Finish: Rarakau Car Park 2.30pm

DEPARTURE DATES

21, 25, 28 February 2024
3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 March 2024
3, 7, 10, 18 April 2024
30 October 2024
3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 November 2024
1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 25, 29 December 2024
1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 January 2025
2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 February 2025
9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 March 2025
2, 6, 9, 13, 16 April 2025

Prices

Period 1 Jun 2023 - 31 May 2024
Adult NZD $895.00
Private room upgrade (both nights) NZD $300.00
Transfer from Te Anau (return, per person) NZD $110.00
Transfer from Invercargill (return, per person) NZD $110.00
Transfer from Queenstown (return, per person) NZD $195.00
Single supplement (individual travellers - pre night accommodation) NZD $30.00

Period 1 Oct 2024 - 30 Apr 2025
Adult NZD $995.00

Pre-track Briefing

No formal briefing as this walk is self-guided, however, please have your packs (12k max) at the Hump Ridge office, 31 Orawia Street, Tuatapere, by 8.00am on Day 2 to meet the helicopter.

Days

3.5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: C
(sub alpine hiking and uneven terrain)

Book now

Recommended minimum age: 11 years. Any person under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Children book at same rate as adults.

Single supplement applies to ALL individual travellers for their pre night accommodation at the Last Light Lodge.

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Grading & Fitness

Grade: C
Up to 9 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-7kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 800m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required

No previous hiking experience is required, but you need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic. You will be carrying a medium sized daypack for up to 9 hours. The first day on the trail you climb over 800m. The second day you go down again. The track is a mixture of boardwalk and steps, natural tracks and remains of the old tramline. The descent from the Hump Ridge is steep and can be muddy at times.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The Lodges have a licensed bar and shop where you can purchase a range of New Zealand wine and beer, as well as additional snacks and refreshments. Take some cash or a debit/credit card (sorry, no EFTPOS available).
Non-walker helicopter transfers between lodges are charged per sector. Please contact us for price.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the track is provided in modern backcountry lodges featuring gas heating and cooking, solar lighting and flush toilets. Bedding, linen, towels and hot showers are provided. Rooms are quad accommodation with pillows, fitted sheet, sleep sheet and covered duvet. Private premium rooms upgrades are available for NZ$300.00 per room, for both nights. These rooms accommodate a maximum of two people, either double or twin king singles. All cutlery, utensils and bedding are provided. *Pre tour accommodation - in Tuatapere provides twin share and double rooms with a shared bathroom. Single hikers/rooms will attract a $30 single supplement fee.

Transport

Return transfers are available from Tuatapere, Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill, and can be booked through us.

Tuatapere: to the start of the track at Rarakau on Day 2

Queenstown: The Tracknet shuttle departs Queenstown at 4.30pm (arriving in Mossburn at 6.15pm), to connect with the Hump Ridge Shuttle to Tuatapere (arriving 7.15pm).

Te Anau: the Hump Ridge Shuttle departs from Te Anau for Tuatapere at 4.30pm, arriving at 5.30pm.

Invercargill: the Hump Ridge Shuttle departs Invercargill at 12.30 and 4.30pm, to Tuatapere. If returning to Invercargill, the shuttle departs Tuatapere at 3.30pm. Please contact us if you would like to book an Invercargill transfer.

Shuttle bookings are essential, as the shuttle does not run if there are no bookings for a particular day.

Packing List

Your personal belongings will be carried on the first day only, by helicopter, arriving at your destination before you, so that you will be able to walk carrying the minimum of weight. On Day 3 and 4 you will need to carry your pack so please keep the weight to a minimum. The maximum allowance of weight for the helicopter luggage is 12kg. In the rare event of weather conditions preventing prompt delivery of your luggage, emergency equipment and supplies are available at the huts.

A variety of walking equipment, day packs, raincoats, gaiters and walking poles are available for hire. Please advise in advance.

Essential Items:

Pair of shorts/trousers (quick-dry highly recommended)
Polar fleece jacket or top
2 sets of Woollen (merino) or polypropylene thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Woollen or thermal socks (three pairs), underwear and handkerchief
Small towel or flannel
Warm hat (fleece or woollen) and light gloves
Waterproof raincoat with hood
Hiking boots or strong walking shoes, preferably with ankle support
Pair of light shoes or sandals
T shirt for fine weather
Change of clothes for evenings
Day pack (20 litres) with waterproof liner
Small personal torch or headlamp
Water bottle
Personal medicine and toiletries
Second skin or Footfleece for blisters
Insect repellent, sunscreen
Small personal torch

Optional items:

Camera and film/memory cards
Gaiters, walking poles
Sun hut and swim wear
Money as there is an opportunity to purchase wine and beers at the lodges.

Luggage: You can leave any luggage you are travelling with but do not need for the hike at the Hump Ridge Track Office in Tuatapere.

Food

Creamy oat porridge is provided for you while on the track, and also a hot breakfast on the first morning at your Tuatapere accommodation. All Prime walkers need to provide their own lunch, snacks and drinks (complimentary tea and coffee is available at the lodges). Dinner provided is a choice of freeze dried dehydrated meal pouches, (gluten free, vegetarian and vegan available). Drinking water is available at both Lodges and most streams are safe to drink from (please note you should purify or boil your water to make sure it is safe). Additional NZ beers and wines are available for sale at the lodges. NB: Both Lodges are licensed so there is no BYO.

Guides & Safety

The Hump Ridge Track Prime is an unguided hike, therefore you will not have a guide on this trip. Your safety is of paramount importance so please be responsible for your fitness and be aware of the weather or track conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be fit enough?

A moderate to high level of fitness is required to complete this walk. If you are not a regular walker we suggest you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks before departure. Gradually increasing the distance you walk, carrying a backpack. Staircase or hill-climbing is strongly recommended as on the first day of the walk you climb over 800m. The track surfaces vary from smooth well-formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree roots. We therefore recommend you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. If you feel your fitness is not up to the required level for the climb on the first day we can offer you the option of flying by helicopter to the Lodge at Okaka, for an additional cost.

What do I need to carry?

On Day 2 (the first day of hiking) you just need to carry a day pack. Please ensure this is large enough to hold: wet/cold weather clothing, additional thermals, personal medication, lunch box, flask, water bottle and camera. A waterproof full length raincoat is also essential.
On hiking Day 3 and 4 you will need to carry your backpack. Please keep the weight of your pack to a minimum. You only need to carry what you carried yesterday and spare clothing for 2 nights. You may leave excess luggage at our office for safe storage. Sorry, hard suitcases are not ideal to transport in helicopters.

What weather should I expect on the month I am walking?

It is essential to be well prepared when walking as New Zealand has very changeable weather patterns and Fiordland is well known for its high rainfall. The unpredictable nature of the weather in this region means that high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst weather conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing. Exposure and hypothermia can affect anyone when the weather is wet, cold and windy so BE PREPARED!

Where should I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?

Your luggage can be stored at the Hump Ridge Track Office in Tuatapere while you are hiking.

I am travelling with a car. Where will I be able to leave this?

You can leave your vehicle at the Hump Ridge Track office and book a return transfer with us to the start of the track or you can self-drive to the track start at Rarakau car park. All vehicles are left at the owner's risk.

How bad are the sandflies?

We recommend you wear insect repellent each day.

Booking Conditions

Price includes:

Pre-walk B&B accommodation in Tuatapere
Heli-pack of your pack up the hill to Okaka on the first day of hiking (max 12kg)
Twin-share accommodation on the track, or private room upgrade at your cost
All linen and towels supplied
Hot showers
Creamy oat porridge on both mornings as well as a cooked breakfast at The Last Light Lodge
Two evening meals (freeze-dried and self-prepared) while on the track

Payment:

For bookings 4 or months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

If you wish to cancel a booking for any reason, including medical, the cancellation must be forwarded in writing.

8 weeks or more prior to the departure date – cancellation fee is 25% of the total trip cost
8 to 4 weeks prior to the departure date – cancellation fee is 50% of the total trip cost
Within 4 weeks prior to the departure date - no refund available
No refund on any portion of the trip can be given after departure.

Hiking New Zealand Ltd is not liable for any cost or loss, directly or indirectly, from any personal disruption due to COVID-19. Such costs or losses include, but are not limited to: requirements to follow COVID-19 mandates, flights, accommodation, transfers, and other expenses incurred over and above the tour price. Once your tour has commenced there is no refund available for any portion due to any circumstances. Any decision regarding exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of Hiking New Zealand Ltd or the Operator of the trip if it is not Hiking New Zealand Ltd.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Hump Ridge Track Prime