The hump ridge track is about 60km long and set in Southern Fiordland. It has just become a “great walk”, though it’s administered by a charitable trust not DOC. As far as I understand it, Tuatapere had a factory which shut down and the residents were pretty worried about the future of their town and decided to band together to build a great walk to bring people into the area. And it has _totally_ worked. I think about 4,500 people through this season? Each one staying a night or two either side, paying the hut and track fees and getting to do a wonderful hike. They have options to have single rooms, you can buy food + booze at the huts, even have blankets etc. So, if you want to, you can hike with pretty much just a day bag if your budget allows.
My budget did not allow ;) On the plus side, I definitely got my exercise hiking up the hill. The bush was lovely though. It definitely felt like you were “out there”, even though there’s a tonne (of much needed) boardwalk. I found it hard enough on the knees esp going down hill the second day. I’d recommend bringing walking poles just to take a little of the weight.
And the Guinness at the hut was totally worth the $10 I paid donated for it.
Day 2
Second day was pretty much downhill and then along an old viaduct/tramway. It probably was the hardest day, partly because downhill is just hard work, and also because the flatness of the tramway is slightly hard to keep your enthusiasm/concentration up. Still, blessed with the weather and the views (not normal for this part of the world). The old bridges were pretty cool. Up to a few months ago you could walk across them, but, not at the moment (and possibly never again). May have dodged a bullet there.
I channeled my inner Maaike at Port Craig and went for a swim. It was actually not entirely awful once I was in. I think I even stayed in for a good 15 minutes, banging rocks under the water in the hope that the dolphins would come in for a play (they didnt’)
Day 3 and home
Day 3 was relatively short. Still 20km but all along the flat. It’s tidal, so, you need to hit the tides right (it’s really only 1 hour either side where you’re in trouble). Fortunately the timing was fine for me walking out.
I had an entirely lovely time, met a lovely couple Ken and Anne who are sailing their boat for their retirement. Absolute legends.
I again split the drive on the way home. I had a lovely drive up to Wanaka via Queenstown, and then stayed at a free DOC campsite in Lindis Pass which was basic, but, just perfect for me. I was happy-as in my tent for the evening.
Then back to ChCh the following day. All in all an excellent excellent trip. Many thanks to Maaike for suggesting it and pushing me out the door :)
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