Hump Ridge Track could be next Great Walk

SOUTHLAND’S Hump Ridge Track is one of three shortlisted to be New Zealand’s next Great Walk.

The 61km Fiordland loop track was announced as one of the frontrunners by Department of Conservation (Doc) director general Lou Sanson yesterday.

The other two were the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds and Northland’s Te Paki Coastal Track.

The Hump Ridge Track takes three days to complete and begins and ends in Te Waewae Bay, near Tuatapere.

It features alpine and coastal views, beaches and historic wooden viaducts.

Mr Sanson said Doc would complete more detailed work on the three walks in coming months.

This included engaging with community groups, iwi, and representatives from the recreation, conservation and tourism sectors.

Doc would also investigate and compare the costs of bringing each track to Great Walks standard.

A final decision will be made in late 2018 and the winner is planned to become part of the Great Walks network by the 2021 season.

Last year’s Government budget allocated $12.7 million to expand the network.

Doc called for suggestions for the new Great Walk in November 2017, and seven were shortlisted by a panel.

The department said the Tarawera Trail in the Bay of Plenty and the Waiau/Molesworth in Canterbury, which both made this shortlist of seven, also had potential to become Great Walks.