Lake Hauroko and The Hump

For most mortals this one is going to involve quite a lot of walking, but it's an amazing route that's achievable as a day trip for Wild Things who don't mind a bit of grunt up and down steep hills and through bush. You could also split this into two days with a stay at Teal Bay Hut.

Beginning at Lake Hauroko follow the trail briefly through the bush then along the lakeside, watch out for the giant orange marker indicating the point for heading back into the bush. Follow the trail and orange triangles onto the ridge and along. There are a few that have blown down or become a bit overgrown but no real navigational issues likely as long as you're paying attention. Mostly you're tucked down below the trees but watch out for the viewpoints, they are breathtaking.

It's a steep descent to Teal Bay Hut then almost as steep (but about twice as much vertical distance) back up to get up to The Hump, but the views from up there are worth it! There are a few k's along the tops then you're standing on the high point of the Hump Ridge with views back over Lake Hauroko into Fiordland and south to the sea and Stewart Island; you can also look along the coast to the finish point, maybe thinking it's still a very long way away depending how your day is going.

About a km after The Hump itself (with a little ascent again) there will be another orange marker to your left leading to the trail back down. A fun descent takes you to a 4WD track, follow the main track ignoring tracks to either side until you join the South Coast Track. Turn left and briefly follow the gravel road then down onto the beach until the bridge over the Waikoau. Fun fast single track takes you to Rarakau car park (via one last kicker with a whole heap of steps).