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A steady meander along an old tramway previously used for logging operations at Port Craig.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

100%

Runnable

249' 76 m

High

103' 32 m

Low

198' 60 m

Up

301' 92 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Views

The track and private lodges are managed by the Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust. Advance booking and payment is required for the use of the track and lodges. Permits must be picked up in advance from the Hump Ridge Track office in Tuatapere. For more information, visit the Hump Ridge Track website.

Runner Notes

Watch your footing on the old tramway.

Description

This section of the Hump Ridge Track follows along the remnant of a logging tramway that was once used by the Port Craig logging operations in the early 1920s. You'll be following along a wide path with a few rolling hills. The main challenge of this section is to watch your footing on the slippery boards of the tramway, and to keep an eye open for the old railway spikes that might snag a toe.

The highlight of this section is definitely the Percy Burn Viaduct, which at 125 m long and 36 m high is one of the largest standing timber trestle bridges in the world. The viaduct used to be open to run across but unfortunately was recently (2013) closed due to decay. There is now a bypass trail in place that takes runners down to the Percy Burn stream. The view of the viaduct is no less impressive when viewed from the bottom of the gorge that is spans.

After the somewhat steep climb back up from the stream, the trail continues on the tramway which is often carved into the hillside so it feels like you are running in a tunnel of earth and trees. Many sections of the trail are very straight and can seem a bit tedious, but, overall, there are no major ups or downs to contend with.

The trail will eventually pass the historic Por Craig schoolhouse which has been converted to a hut that is operated by the DOC. This hut is not operated by the Hump Ridge Track and is a 20 bunk hut that is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Shortly past this, you'll come to the Port Craig Lodge. This beautiful lodge is situated amongst the remains of the town of Port Craig, a short-lived settlement that operated to support the logging operations in the area. Take a stroll down to the water to see the remains of the wharf and mill or explore the area around the lodge for an interesting look into the history of the settlement. More information can be found on the DOC website.

Be sure to take the short spur trail that leads down to the beach. A pod of Hector's dolphins call this cove home and can often be spotted playing in the shallow waters along the shore. Be warned that this idyllic beach is not free from the usual pesky sand flies, so bring bug spray.

Flora & Fauna

Lowland podocarp forest. Many birds such as robins, bellbirds, tomtits, fantails, tuī, and wood pigeons.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#44489

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#358

in New Zealand

#44,489

Overall
3 Views Last Month
35 Since Oct 19, 2017
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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