Hump Ridge Freedom Walk

Accommodation | Departure Dates | Getting There | Fitness Level | Prices

Freedom Walk Itinerary
DAY 1: Rarakau Lodge Carpark, Bluecliffs Beach, Okaka Hut
Walk 6 - 8 hours / 19km

From Rarakau Lodge carpark the track winds along the top of Bluecliffs Beach cliff and descents to the Waikoau River. Across a swing bridge past the Fisherman's huts and along the beach to Track Burn.

The track then follows the coast before heading inland at Flat Creek. Climbing steadily then steeply up on to the Hump Ridge, bush gives way to sub alpine tussock grasses and finally the Okaka Hut ( 890m ). Take the Loop Track for awesome panoramic views, amid massive sandstone tors and mountain tarns.

kiwi tokoeka
DAY 2: Okaka Hut, Percy Burn Viaduct, Port Craig Village
Walk 7 - 9 hours / 19km

Traversing along the Hump Ridge, descend through ancient marine terraces of beech and podocarp forest to the coastal track near the Edwin Burn viaduct.
An old logging tramway leads across the massive Percy Burn viaduct, the highest remaining wooden structure of its kind in the world, to Port Craig Village.

DAY 3: Port Craig Village, Rarakau Lodge Carpark.
Walk 4 - 6 hours / 17km

Explore this pioneering village with a chance to see the rare Hector dolphin by the old wharf. Walk coastal forest tracks and beach sections back to Track Burn, Bluecliffs Beach and finally Rarakau Lodge Carpark.

Accommodation
Accommodation is in 4 to 6 bed bunk rooms. Okaka Hut and Port Craig Village are modern back country huts with capacity for 40 people. They feature gas heating and cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets, pillows (please take your own pillow slip) and drying rooms. All crockery and cooking equipment are provided, we even cook you free porridge for breakfast! There is a Lodge Manager based full time in both huts in summer.
Please note in winter (mid April to late October) gas and cooking equipment are not available... and sorry there is no porride either :(
A premium room with super king bed and all linen or a self contained cabin with ensuite and kitchen are available as an upgrade option.

Departure Dates
From November to April we have daily departures subject to availability. We are open during the winter.... it is even half price! However huts have no gas, heating, crockery or cooking equipment, drying rooms or crockery. The lights work though!

Getting There
Tuatapere is 86km from Invercargill and 100km from Te Anau on the Southern Scenic Route. The track office and Tuatapere Information Centre is at 31 Orawia Road. Pop in here for updates on weather and track conditions, browse the shop for all your tramping needs or check out the Bushman's Museum.
Scenic Shuttle operates a daily service departing Invercargill 2pm (pick up from 1.30pm) and Te Anau at 8:15am (pick up from 7:45am). Sausage Shuttles operates on demand from Te Anau at 5.30 pm. Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 2pm and connect via Te Anau.
On the completion of your walk we can arrange a same day shuttle to Te Anau and Queenstown. If you require transport to Invercargill you will need to stay an extra night in Tuatapere with Scenic Shuttles departing at 9.30am. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations.
The Rarakau Lodge carpark is 19 km from Tuatapere and includes 7km of un sealed road. Vehicles can be left at the carpark for a donation or koha. The track starts 200m down the road from the carpark.

Fitness Level
A moderate to high level of fitness is required. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to walk for 6 – 9 hours over 17– 19km ( 9 - 11 miles ) each day. 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. Track transport and helipacking options are recommended if you may find the track conditions or times arduous.

Prices
Your Freedom Walk package includes 2 nights accommodation on the trail and free porridge in summer.
The price per person in summer is NZ$ 90 including GST. Children (ages 10 to 15) are NZ$ 45. We do not recommend the track for children under 10 years old. In winter prices are NZ$ 45 for adults and NZ$ 22 for children. Prices are valid to 1 November 2006.

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