Making room for a spectacular tramp (Hike)

The Milford Track is out of the question for us when we are in New Zealand.  During the winter-spring seasons, bridges are pulled out to save them from being swept away with avalanches, there are strong possibilities of heavy snow in early spring and swelling rivers to cross.  This doesn't sound like fun it sounds very dangerous, not to mention the fact that just getting in and off the Track might be difficult as well.



So, upon searching I came up with another possibility for a long tramp in New Zealand.  The tramp is Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track and it is a 3 day/2 night hike.  It is located 1 1/2 hours south of Te Anau and 1 hour west of Invercargill.  The track itself is 56kms long and rises from sea level to 890 metres. 

The track is a mixture of beach, bush tracks and boardwalk. From beech forests at sea level all the way through to alpine flora and fauna on the top of the Hump Ridge.

 What to bring:

• Pair of shorts and trousers.
• Warm woollen or fleece top.
• Thermal long johns and thermal/merino longsleeve top. - at least two sets.
• 3 changes socks, underwear and handkerchief.
• Emergency Survival Blanket - Polarshield
• Small towel and flannel.
• Warm hat and gloves.
• Waterproof coat with hood - seam sealed recommended.
• Waterproof overpants.
• Favourite tramping boots. Gaitors if you have them.
• Pair of light shoes or sandals - to wear at Lodges.
• Swim suit or togs - so you can have a swim at Port Craig.
• Pack and waterproof inner pack liner.
• Waterproof pack cover.
• Small personal torch or headlamp.
• water bottle and/or flask.
• Personal medicine, toilet bag, blister pack, footfleece.
• Insect repellent, sun block.
• Camera.

 So far the track looks very promising and I hope that we can manage to do this.  I am sure Tegan will be very impressed with the idea of doing this track.

UPDATE... Received an email that states that this track would not be recommended to us during the time of year we can go.  There is no heat in the huts and we would have to pack our own stove and fuel.  I think I am ruling this one out in search for other fun adventures.  It still looks like a great tramp though!