30th December 2016 to 1st January 2017 – On the Tuatapere Humpridge Track

A spectacular privately operated walk of approximately 60 km spanning over two nights staying at Okaka and Port Craig Lodges. Operated by the Humpridge Track Trust. Website: www.humpridgetrack.co.nz

With  Matthew Davison, Brody Radford, Nicole Scheid, Dan Ward (Who booked us all in) and Fergus Young (myself)

Was the first time I ended up with blisters for as long as I could remember. Many Thanks to “Marie”, a kind hiker from another contingent for helping me out immensely for the last leg out back to the car park.  Looks like the Voltaren Gel helped me out immensely.

See also photos from  Tuatapere Humprige Track Photo album for Days 2 and 3

Also, part of the same trip Stewart Island / Rakiura and our “in between times”, Southland Road Tripping.

Please note: This photo album is large, and may take a while to fully load up before rendering correctly (resizing) on your device.

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – Near Sunset

Looking out over Te Waewae Bay from South Coast Track

Looking out over Te Waewae Bay from South Coast Track

Heading inbound along South Coast Track

Heading inbound along South Coast Track

Heading inbound along South Coast Track

Looking out over Te Waewae Bay from South Coast Track

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track

First swing bridge, South Coast Track over Waikoau River

First swing bridge, South Coast Track over Waikoau River

Looking up Waikoau River from the swing bridge

Short Rest stop on Waikoau River

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

Hut as seen from South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

South Coast Track – Te Waewae Bay

Swing bridge, heading away from Beach.

Glimpse of Te Waewae Bay

2nd Swing Bridge

Hunter’s Hut as seen from South Coast Track

South Coast Track – 3rd Swing Bridge

South Coast Track – 3rd Swing Bridge

Hump Ridge Track

Workers’ Hut hidden a few meters off of South Coast Track

Workers’ Hut hidden a few meters off of South Coast Track

Another Look over Te Waewae Bay from South Coast Track

Another Look over Te Waewae Bay from South Coast Track

4th Swing bridge

4th Swing bridge

At Junction with South Coast Track and Hump Ridge Track (leading up to Okaka Hut)

Junction with South Coast Track and Hump Ridge Track (leading up to Okaka Hut)

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Typical Forest scene along the Hump Ridge Track

Typical Forest scene along the Hump Ridge Track

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Mini Hiker Jam at swing bridge – Waiting to cross

Hump Ridge Track – Swing Bridge

Hump Ridge Track – Swing Bridge

Hump Ridge Track – Swing Bridge

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Short Lunch Stop by another group of hikers.

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Heading up Hump Ridge Track towards Okaka

Water Bridge Hut – Lunch Stop

Water Bridge Hut – Lunch Stop

Water Bridge Hut interior

Water Bridge

Water Bridge

Water Bridge

Topping up Water bottles at the Water Bridge

Topping up Water bottles at the Water Bridge

Water Bridge

Hump Ridge Track – The steep climb begins

Hump Ridge Track – The steep clinb Section

Hump Ridge Track – The steep clinb Section

Hump Ridge Track – The steep clinb Section

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track – Stag Point – All clouded over, no views.

Hump Ridge Track – Almost at track junction to Okaka Turn off.

Hump Ridge Track – Just turned off towards Okaka Lodge – Clouded over

Okaka hut upon arrival – Clouded over.

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

Weather clears up, we embark on the Okaka loop track

A pair of Keas

A pair of Keas

A pair of Keas

A pair of Keas, one taking flight

Looking up towards the Tors of Hump Ridge Track (Near Okaka lodge)

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns just after sunset

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns

Hump Ridge Tors

Hump Ridge Tors

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – Near Sunset

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – Near Sunset

Hump Ridge Track – Okaka – Sunset

Sunset on Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – Near Sunset

Okaka Loop at Sunset

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – At Sunset

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – At Sunset

Hump Ridge Tors and Tarns – Near Sunset

See  Tuatapere Humprige Track Photo album for Days 2 and 3
(Had to split this Gallery up as it was too large)