New Zealand's 11th Great Walk on its Way

Work on upgrading the South Island’s Hump Ridge Track to ‘Great Walk’ status commenced in early April. The works are expected to be completed by October 2023 in time for the start of the 2023/24 walking season.

New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’ are designated by its Department of Conservation. For many years there were nine Great Walks, but in early 2020 Paparoa Track became the tenth and now Hump Ridge Track will make it eleven. Great Walk tracks are maintained to a high standard as are the accommodation huts and other walk infrastructure along the trail.

The Hump Ridge Track starts at Tuatapere near the south coast of the South Island. The track is 62 km in length and is a loop walk. Part of the appeal of the walk lies in its diversity; it climbs into sub-alpine vegetation at nearly 1,000m and then descends to the Southern Ocean.

It will still be possible for walkers to undertake the Hump Ridge Track while the upgrade works are being completed.