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Hiking the Hump Ridge Track
Digital Imaging Ambassador
The Hump Ridge Track is New Zealand’s latest Great Walk, and after hiking it solo in the middle of summer, I can see why. This track offers a mix of rugged coastline, dense native forest, and breathtaking ridge-top views over Fiordland. While I didn’t complete the full loop, my trip was a last-minute decision that turned into an unforgettable adventure, one that I’ll definitely be back to finish.
The Hump Ridge isn’t just another Great Walk—it’s a easily one of the most rewarding backcountry experiences that takes you from sea level through dense native bush to exposed alpine ridges with sweeping views of Fiordland. The track winds through old tramways, boardwalks over wetlands, and remote coastline before climbing steeply to the tops. While luxurious as it is with fancy lodges with wine, showers and full beds, I went into this hike with one goal: to sleep up on the far ridge overlooking the ocean and capture the landscape in its rawest form. No huts, no distractions—just me, the mountains, and my camera.
You have to pick your weather right down in Southland. It can be harsh, windy, and bitterly cold with southerlies straight from Antarctica. My weather window couldn’t have been more polar opposite. I just didn’t anticipate hiking in 30-degree heat, and I felt it from the start. The climb up would have been a breeze with all the steps, but in that heat, it was relentless. I reached the top in five hours, well under the signposted six to eight.
With the heat still lingering into the evening, I was glad I hadn’t carried a tent. Instead, I set up camp 500m off-track, as per DOC rules, and bivvied under the stars—easily the right call.
The track starts at the coast, weaving through lush, untouched rain forest before climbing high above the ocean. Towering rimu and beech trees line the track, creating deep, shaded tunnels that contrast with the exposed alpine ridges. I’d brought a drop line, hoping to catch a blue cod on the way in, but the swell was too big to get a chance at it. In hindsight, I should have stashed the fishing gear in the bush instead of lugging it all the way up—a rookie mistake, not sure many other people carry that up there.
The real highlight of the trip was watching the sun dip over lower Fiordland from the summit. The light, the colours, and the sheer remoteness of it all made every step worth it. With my Manfrotto tripod, I managed to capture some stunning landscapes, but even the best shots don’t quite do it justice. Down at ocean level, I missed out on seeing dolphins, but the boardwalks through the wetlands and forests more than made up for it—some of the best I’ve seen.
I packed as light as I could for camera gear. A single Sony a7rIII camera, FE 14mm f/1.8, FE24mm f/1.8, FE 55mm f/1.8 & FE 100-400mm. I took the Manfrotto 190 Befree tripod incase of any aurora activity but nothing. In hindsight, I should have packed more sugar to keep my energy levels up and left the fishing gear at the bottom.
This was a last-minute decision—booked at 9 p.m. the night before—but one I don’t regret. I didn’t hike the full loop this time, but I’ll be back to do it properly. With the Hump Ridge Track soon becoming an official Great Walk, it’s only going to get more popular, and I can see why. Just hope they add bunk bed rooms like other doc huts so its more affordable for all.
Go hike it! Incredible views, stunning forests, and a mix of terrain that keeps it interesting the whole way. I already can’t wait for round two.
