A recent addition to the Great Walks list, this three day tramp starts with a helicopter ride down the coast, with your packs then flown up to the first hut. Day 2 is generally downhill and day 3 follows the cost back to make a loop.
Having just walked the Rakiura Track, we were picked up in Invercargill and driven to our overnight stay at Tuatapere. We met our guides, fellow walkers and had an evening meal together. The group size was around 10.
The view towards the Hump Ridge. The helicopter would pick us up off this patch of grass tomorrow morning.
We took the first flight and watched as the pilot brought in the next 4. The bare patch of scrub perched on the cliff edge was tiny. Until he landed we had no idea what he was aiming for!
After three days on the Rakiura, we had our gaters on, but didn’t need them.
Much of the Hump Ridge is on boardwalks to protect the plants from trampers boots. The construction of these paths is an incredible feat.
These cute shelters provided a hot drink stop each day.
The ferns of the lower forests gave way to ‘goblin forest’ and a myriad of moss and lichen.
A small clearing allows a view to the ridge line and our destination.
The plan was to drop bags at the hut then make the climb to the summit. In fact the weather closed in as soon as we reached the hut and the strong winds made us turn back. We never made it to the top.
This view back towards our first night B&B and the beaches we’d be walking on day 3.
Nestled just below the ridge
There was a shared WC block and main social space with kitchen and bar.
We got little sleep during a cold and wild night of high winds. We awoke to temperatures barely above zero and winds that made it hard to stand up. Wearing all the clothes we brought, including hat and gloves we braved the elements along the ridge.
Back in the forest we got some shelter from the strength of the wind.
…would normally be seen as you gently descend the ‘Hump’.
Day 2 is dominated by the huge timber viaducts constructed to support a doomed timber industry out of Port Craig. Built from Australian timber, these huge structures supported a railway line that only operated for a few years.
The track now followed the railway line. The timber sleepers and still in place, as are the nails that make a regular, unwelcome trip hazard.
Short walk down to the jetty used for the failed timber industry.
We saw a rare Black Fantail around this spot.
Looks idyllic although the sandflies made us unwelcome guests.
The backdrop is the ridge we previously climbed, then descended.
Followed by a steep set of steps that give those who complete the walk the distinctive ‘Hump Ridge gait’.