The Hump Ridge track, near Tuatapere, moved one step closer to Great Walks status yesterday (3 April) when the mana whenua mana moana of the rohe, Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka performed a Whakatau Te Whenua, blessing the track and clearing the way for its upgrade.

Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka Hakui Muriel Johnstone said the Whakatau Te Whenua acknowledged the many tūpuna (ancestors) who traversed these lands and waterways over the centuries, lived on the whenua, and gathered treasured mahika kai from the mountains to the sea - ki uta ki tai.

A Whakatau Te Whenua was performed at the start of the Hump Ridge track by mana whenua mana moana of the rohe, Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka. Photo: DOC

DOC Southern South Island Director Aaron Fleming said the aim of the project was to take an existing walk, already steeped in cultural and historical significance and make it accessible to more people.

“This involves easing gradients, installing boardwalks, and future proofing sections of the track against climate change and natural hazards. We have engaged engineers and technical experts to make sure the track remains sound, and factored in emergency alternative routes, including new swing bridges,” he said.

“Turning the Hump Ridge Track into a Great Walk means elevating it to the status of walks such as the Routeburn, Milford Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit.”

“Seeing the first spade go into the ground after all the planning is an exciting moment for everyone who has invested time and energy into this project. For those who remember, this is the realisation of a vision that harks back to the late 90’s when Tuatapere’s logging industry was declining, and the late Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno lobbied then Prime Minister Helen Clark for national funding to develop the track."

Completion of the Great Walk is set for the 2023/24 season.

The Hump Ridge Great Walk Project is a collaboration between DOC and Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, Hump Ridge Track Charitable Trust, Rowallan Alton Inc, SILNA landowners, Southland District Council, Port Craig Viaduct Charitable Trust, and other individuals and groups.

The Hump Ridge Track will continue to be open for bookings during construction, with public accessibility given priority.