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Off the Beaten Track to... Hump Ridge

Just north of the coastal town of Kaikoura in the South Island's north-east lies Mt Fyffe standing at 1,602 metres. This relatively little-known mountain is the only home to the Marlborough rock daisy and New Zealand lilac.

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Hump Ridge, Fiordland, New Zealand

It is an ideal area for hiking and walking, being suitable for family strolls as well as for overnight hiking. The peak itself can be reached via a broad 4WD track and the return trip takes roughly 8 hours. Shorter walks include the lookout point (about 1 hour from the carpark) and Mt Fyffe Hut (about 5 hours return). For those with the energy, it is well worth reaching the summit for the superb views over the Kaikoura plains and peninsula. On a clear day, the view at higher levels includes Banks Peninsula and the North Island.

Hiking Options

  • Hinau Track – 45-minute loop forest walk suitable for families.
  • Kowhai-Hapuki Circuit – 2-3 day hike over rugged ground. Boots and experience are required as the track is not marked.
  • Fyffe Palmer Track – 1 hour 45 mins return across farmland and forest. (Pack a picnic.)

Other Activities

  • Mountain biking is permitted on the Mt Fyffe track. It is very steep, however, and presents a real challenge - care should be taken. Cyclists must give way to walkers.
  • Climbers can tackle Manakau (2,610m) and Te Ao Whekere (2,590m). Both climbs are long and remote and climbers should be fit, well-equipped and prepared to camp out.
  • Hunters can obtain a permit to hunt red deer, chamois and pigs.

Explore Kaikoura

  • Kaikoura Peninsula Walks – There are several short walks from Point Kean (the walk down to Whalers Bay is only possible at low to mid-tide).
  • Kaikoura Seafest – Outside of the annual seafest (October) you can enjoy local seafood including crayfish at most restaurants and roadside stalls.
  • Whale Watching – The deep waters of the Kaikoura Canyon provide for a huge range of aquatic life including dolphins, seals, birds, fish and of course whales.
  • Kaikoura Winery – A beautifully scenic winery perched on a limestone bluff with views of both sea and mountains. Tours of the vinery are available and picnicking allowed.

More Off the Beaten Track Suggestions

If you want to discover some of New Zealand's hidden treasures, travel to some out-of-the-way places and see sites that many travellers and tourists miss out on, look at more of our 'Off the Beaten Track' suggestions.

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