July 15, 2019
Hump Track pips Te Paki for Great Walk status
Southland's Hump Ridge track is to become the tenth Great Walk after a far north option was ruled out because of failure to reach agreement with iwi.
The 61 km track is to get a $5 million upgrade to bring it up to great Walk standard and change it from the current two night walk to a three night experience.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says the track which starts near Tuatapere provides access to a spectacular southern coastline and forests, dramatic alpine tops and historic viaducts.
She says DOC will continue its work in the far north to progress plans for what is currently Paki Coastal Track to also achieve Great Walk status.
She says it showcases a highly significant part of Aotearoa, but the experience can only be truly great if it is founded on a strong and meaningful partnership with iwi and is looked at as part of a considered and strategic vision for sustainable tourism development in the region.
The third contender, the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds, was ruled out because permanent public access across all sections of the track could not be guaranteed.
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