TUATAPERE HUMPRIDGE TRACK 2012 season
This is New
Zealand's newest track, and provides a wide variety of scenery during the 3 day
tramp..
The track passes through landscapes that include coastline, the world famous Waitutu coastal marine terraces, podocarp
and beech forest, to sub alpines settings and spectacular sandstone outcrops. Trampers see unique wildlife which include
seals, Hector's dolphins, keas, and other attractions are the magnificent
restored viaducts. The track is located at the southern end of Fiordland National Park, on the southern coast of the
mainland (South Island)!
We must stress that this is quite a demanding trip. On the first day we climb from sea level to 1000 meters (3000feet), on a track that is in places steep. It is 18 km, and can be an 8 hour day. You do have the option to helicopter, your packs up to the first hut, at a cost of $70, We would recommend this for most people. Day 2 is another 18km, sometimes steep downhill, but little climbing. Day 3 is 17 km to our bus, part bush, partly coastal, and reasonable going.
TO ENJOY THIS TRIP YOU MUST BE FIT, people with knee or hip problems could find this trip arduous.
It is a wonderful tramp, quite different from our other trips. First the magnificent coastal tramp, then the bush and the climb to the alpine tussock lands,with those wonderful views, and unique rock formations. Then the descent back through the bush clad coastal marine terraces.We cross several famous viaducts, built for timber extraction almost 100 years ago, and spend one night at Port Craig, once a historic sawmilling town - now deserted. More of the magnificent coastline is seen on the last day, with some exhilarating beach tramping. It is a 53 km circuit, and the 2 Huts are new, very spacious, and convenient.
Transport
Our Bus
will leave Dunedin at 1.30 pm, and travels to Tuatapere.We
can pick people up from Dunedin airport provided they arrive before 1.30pm. We
will stay in the Tuatapere Hotel overnight, and have
breakfast there next morning (B & B included in cost). You will be able to
purchase an evening meal at the Pub. Next morning our bus will take us to the
start of the track, and on the last day collect the survivors and return them
to Dunedin in the evening. (between 8 - 9pm)
Dates:
March 24 – 27 (Saturday
– Tuesday) 2012
Remember, Most trips fill up
fast, it’s a case of ‘first in first served’.