A new great walk has been added to New Zealand’s list — for just the second time in 30 years.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has bestowed the honour on Southland’s Hump Ridge track near Tuatapere.
The classification brings Aotearoa’s list of Great Walks to 11. The three-day looping track is the first to be run entirely by its community.
It’s taken several million dollars, and years of work, to upgrade it to the great walk status. According to DOC, Great Walks are “premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery”. The tracks are also well formed and easy to follow.
Speaking on the upgraded status, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said: “The 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring conservation, recreation, and economic benefits to the region.”
“Located in Te Wāhipounamu, in the south-west corner of the South Island, the trail weaves through diverse landscapes, including, beaches and seascapes, native forest, and an alpine section. It also provides opportunities to spot Hector dolphins and see the southern lights — the Aurora Australis.”
To mark the occasion, a new Waharoa (gateway), now stands at the entrance to the new track entrance, to welcome visitors.
“This will be an exciting moment for everyone who has invested time and energy into this project, along with those who will benefit from the increase it brings to local businesses and the economy.”
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, DOC kaihautu matarautaki director southern South Island Aaron Fleming said the classification brings the track to a new standard consistent with other Great Walks in New Zealand, which is a “big deal”.
On how the track was selected to become a great walk, Fleming said: “In 2019 there was a process to select the next great walk and the Hump Ridge track was lucky enough to get to the top.”
“We’ve had a few things that have happened since then, such as Covid, which has slowed down a bit of progress. We would have liked to have had it open earlier than today, but it’s fantastic to be at this point and especially fantastic for the Tuatapere community who have been a big part of this track back when it was first developed in 2001.”
Fleming added the great walk status will put the area on the map.
“The track itself is just incredible. I’ve walked it myself and it just offers so much, because you’ve got the seascapes, the alpine environment, the beautiful vistas, the natural native wonderland. You’ve got Hector’s dolphins if you’re really lucky, you might spot an aurora if you’re really lucky.
“There’s cultural heritage, there’s the sawmilling history through there, there’s beautiful viaducts that you get to see and walk across. It just offers so much which is why it really does deserve this great walk badge.”