Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hump Ridge Track (NZ), New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Coastal alpine (0–1,000 m)
- Best season
- October – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal alpine (0–1,000 m)
- Best season: October – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Hump Ridge Track (NZ)
Topic summary
A 61-km 3-day loop on the south coast of South Island — a new Great Walk.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal alpine (0–1,000 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Hump Ridge Track (NZ) trip tools
How to get there
Hump Ridge Track (NZ) is in New Zealand, New Zealand. Its center point is -46.1667, 167.6833. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Hump Ridge Track (NZ)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Hump Ridge Track (NZ)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Hump Ridge Track (NZ)
Planning to fish Hump Ridge Track (NZ), New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Hump Ridge Track (NZ)?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Hump Ridge Track (NZ)
Thinking about hunting Hump Ridge Track (NZ), New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Hump Ridge Track (NZ)?
- Confirm the land around Hump Ridge Track (NZ) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A long walk partly within Fiordland
The Hump Ridge Track, also called the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, is a 60–62 km walking route partly within Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. That length is the starting point for planning: this is a substantial walking trip, not a short outing to fit around a drive. The distinction between partly and entirely within the national park matters, too; do not assume that one park’s arrangements describe every part of the experience. Build an itinerary around current operator guidance and the walking capacity of the group. Before committing, establish the daily stages, overnight arrangements and transport needs. The overall distance alone does not establish how long each day will take or how demanding individual sections will be.
From a local track to a Great Walk
The track opened in 2001 and is run privately on behalf of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track Charitable Trust. Its transition to Great Walk status was announced in 2019, with upgrades forming part of that change. An initial October 2022 completion target was delayed by COVID-19 lockdowns and supply chain issues. The Hump Ridge Track ultimately opened as New Zealand’s eleventh Great Walk on 25 October 2024. For trip planning, the important distinction is between that designation and the practical arrangements for walking the track. Great Walk status should not be taken as a guarantee of easy terrain or as a substitute for checking how the privately operated walk works. Confirm current access and overnight arrangements directly with the operator before making travel commitments.
Planning within the Southland setting
Southland occupies the southernmost part of New Zealand’s South Island. Its broader landscape includes high mountains, glaciers and green agricultural plains, giving useful regional context without describing every section of the Hump Ridge Track. Plan for the conditions on the walk itself rather than relying on a regional average temperature or a general impression of Southland. For a route of 60–62 km, clothing for changing weather, suitable footwear and a realistic food and water plan are basic preparation. Check the current forecast and ask the operator about conditions, water availability and the equipment needed for the intended itinerary. Keep regional sightseeing plans separate from walking logistics until the track’s starting arrangements, finishing arrangements and overnight stops have been confirmed.
Route options
- Hump Ridge Track60–62 km
Also known as the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, this walking route lies partly within Fiordland National Park. Confirm daily stages and overnight arrangements with the operator before setting an itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Hump Ridge planning and orientation · 1 day
Use a preparation day to confirm access, accommodation, current conditions and a suitable walking schedule with the track operator. The full Hump Ridge Track is 60–62 km; this is an orientation plan, not a one-day circuit.
- Short Hump Ridge walking visit · 2 days
Plan a limited walking visit rather than assuming completion of the full track. Ask the operator to identify a suitable section, access arrangements and overnight options before committing. Two days is a suggested visit length, not a verified full-track itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Southern Hemisphere spring
Track-specific spring conditions are not established here. Check local forecasts and the operator’s advice before choosing walking days; Southland’s regional climate figures are not a reliable guide to conditions along the track.
Summer
Southern Hemisphere summer
Do not treat summer as a guarantee of warm, settled walking weather. Confirm the forecast and carry weather protection. Southland’s reported average temperature does not describe summer conditions on Hump Ridge.
Fall
Southern Hemisphere autumn
Confirm current conditions and available daylight when setting daily walking goals. No track-specific autumn temperatures or operating schedule are established here.
Winter
Southern Hemisphere winter
Seek current advice about track suitability, weather and accommodation before planning a winter walk. Southland includes mountainous country, but regional descriptions do not establish snow or ice conditions on this particular track.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Southern Hemisphere spring | Track-specific spring conditions are not established here. Check local forecasts and the operator’s advice before choosing walking days; Southland’s regional climate figures are not a reliable guide to conditions along the track. |
| Summer | Southern Hemisphere summer | Do not treat summer as a guarantee of warm, settled walking weather. Confirm the forecast and carry weather protection. Southland’s reported average temperature does not describe summer conditions on Hump Ridge. |
| Fall | Southern Hemisphere autumn | Confirm current conditions and available daylight when setting daily walking goals. No track-specific autumn temperatures or operating schedule are established here. |
| Winter | Southern Hemisphere winter | Seek current advice about track suitability, weather and accommodation before planning a winter walk. Southland includes mountainous country, but regional descriptions do not establish snow or ice conditions on this particular track. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements and booking arrangements with the track operator and the managing agency for Fiordland National Park.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Fatigue and overambitious pacing: the complete track is 60–62 km, so establish realistic daily stages before departure.
- Weather exposure: check a local forecast rather than relying on Southland-wide temperature or sunshine averages.
- Water planning: confirm drinking-water availability before walking and carry enough for the agreed route.
- Unverified access and overnight arrangements: confirm both before setting out rather than assuming facilities are available.
What to pack for Hump Ridge Track (NZ)
- Waterproof outer layer
- Insulating layers
- Sun protection
- Comfortable walking footwear
- Food for the planned walking stages
- Water containers
- First-aid kit
- Current track map
- Operator-confirmed walking schedule
- Communication device
- Headlamp
Hump Ridge Track (NZ) FAQ
- How long is the Hump Ridge Track?
- The track is described as 60–62 km long. Confirm the current route length and recommended walking stages with the operator.
- Is Hump Ridge a New Zealand Great Walk?
- Yes. It opened as a Great Walk on 25 October 2024, following upgrades.
- Is the entire track inside Fiordland National Park?
- No. The track is partly within Fiordland National Park.
- Who runs the track?
- It is privately run on behalf of the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track Charitable Trust. Confirm practical arrangements directly with the operator.
- Is Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track the same destination?
- Yes. Hump Ridge Track is also called the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.
- How many days should be allowed for the full walk?
- A verified full-track walking duration is not established here. Ask the operator for a current itinerary that matches fitness, daily walking capacity and available accommodation.