Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

We did the guided hike, and never experienced such luxury on a hike. The short helicopter ride to the start was a lot of fun and made the first day’s elevation gain much more pleasant. Second day nearly all downhill with views from snow capped peaks down to the ocean. Final day from the lodge at the amazingly historical Port Craig (wished I had more time to explore) along forrest and pristine beaches. Lodges with showers, beds, alcohol and amazing meals were great, together with super friendly and skilled staff and guides.

I see why they made this a great walk. 1) Tor and tarns at the Okaka lodge summit 2) Epic restored viaducts 3) Lodge at beach with opportunity to swim with dolphins. 4) Coast to summit remote experience, with gorgeous views. 5) By far the most developed track I have ever seen. I’d estimate 90% of the incline track (perhaps 40+ km) is covered in boardwalk or steps, all in perfect condition. 6) Okaka lodge has heavenly accommodations. Quiet, great views, hot shower, self-cooked sausages for dinner and free porridge in the morning.

Very disappointing experience. My partner fell over at the start of the walk and dislocated her finger. While at the hospital the doctor who relocated and stabilised the finger said he had done the walk and should go back and do the walk as he had done it and we could easily get to the first hut before dark. We managed to get back to the office before 4pm and spoke to the staff saying we'd like to still do the walk we are both very fit and would be in the hut well before it got dark around 10pm. They even say on their own reviews a 59 year old completed the whole thing in 11 hours. The staff were very unsympathetic to the situation and seemed more concerned with waking up other guests or having the staff stay up till then to let us in. We were treated as if we had just turned up late and offered to go to the doc hut but we wouldn't see anything and it would be pointless. It seemed they didn't care as they already had our money and sent us on our way.

The Guided Walk is a must! A friend and I did the 3 day Guided Walk last season. What a fantastic experience. I have done a lot of multi day walks in NZ and this one exceeded the other ones by far. Uncrowded, stunning scenery and very diverse, great guides, beautiful food, comfy beds & hot showers. Highly recommend!!

What a great hike! Yes, challenging at times but we booked the comfort package with private room, hot showers, dinner and breakfast supplied at the hut. Plus we got our bags flown up to the first hut. Amazing variety of scenery, only two slightly boring hours on the second day on the last stretch to the hut. The huts have those little special extras with couches & chairs in front of the fire. You can also buy a wine, beer or other drinks there plus they have dehy food and snacks for sale, too. The hut wardens were super friendly and relaxed. There are muddy sections on the track so take your gaiters. Sandfly repellent is also a must, although they weren’t bad when we were there.

What an amazing experience to walk the HRT, starting from Tuatapere. Everyday was something different to explore and enjoy. Lots of rain on day one meant lots of mud on days two and three, but once embraced this added to the challenge and the fun. Great views plus some dolphins sighted along the way. Big thanks to our guide Sam and the teams at the very comfortable Okaka and Port Craig lodges who took such wonderful care of us. Highly recommend!

Hard work but well worth the aching legs for the amazing views and birdsong. A fantastic start to a new year.

Our family, a party of 8,of varying ages 27-61 years,recently walked the Hump.Hard work the first day but worth it! We were fortunate to get good weather that day ,the views were amazing,and motivating! The accommodation was comfortable and warm,with a good chance to dry boots etc overnight at Okaka lodge.Second day we had rain,which gave us a chance to see the varying bush in all it's glory. The track is so well maintained, with work still continuing. We were really impressed! We got a chance to speak with a small digger driver on the track.At the Port Craig lodge we tried the Tuatapere sausages, yummy!Staff at both lodges were friendly and informative. Next day instead of walking out to the Rarakau carpark we walked back to the South Coast track and the Wairaurahiri river. We caught a jetboat to Lake Hauroko,with W Jets.A Fantastic way to end our tramp! The South Coast track was very boggy and poorly maintained in comparison to the Hump.The track was well marked though and it did add another aspect to the adventure. You do need to be reasonable fit and have some endurance.Although you could use the helicopter to take your packs,we didn't.The times given for each leg were accurate for our party,with the slowest walking at the front. The wildlife,forrest,terrain ,and history of area with the tramline and viaducts all added to the trip. I would thoroughly recommend this track!