Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day 2: Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge
7-9 HOURS, 19KM, 920M DESCENT
Be sure to check the weather forecast, and fill your water bottles before heading out; this
day is along an exposed section of track and should be treated with respect.
Return to the main loop at the junction, and head south along the right fork towards
Luncheon Rock. For the next 4.5km the track traverses the subalpine crest of Hump Ridge.
For the most part it is an undulating tramp along the top of the ridge. On a nice day this is a
section to be savoured for its spectacular views and interesting subalpine flora. A boardwalk
is provided to protect the delicate plant life.
Within two hours you reach
Luncheon Rock
, site of a toilet, water and the last good
views before the descent to the coast. For the next 2½ hours the track descends steeply to
the coastal marine terraces, passing some interesting, ghostly rock outcrops.
Once you bottom out it is 2km to the Edwin Burn Viaduct, with the track passing through
the Rowallan Maori Lands. In 1906 this land was given to the southern Maori in compensa-
tion for land taken in Otago and Canterbury by the government in the 1840s. All trampers
should respect the access given by the owners and keep to the track.
At the
Edwin Burn Viaduct
the trail emerges at the original South Coast Track, an old
logging road. Edwin Burn is the first of three viaducts crossed or viewed on the way to Port
Craig Village. Constructed from Australian hardwood, they were built to carry tramlines
across the deep ravines.
The track follows the tramway all the way to Port Craig, and within 30 minutes the
second and largest of the viaducts is reached. At 36m high and 124m long, the
Percy Burn
Viaduct
is thought to be the largest wooden viaduct still standing in the world. The best
point to view this immense structure is from the track below it.
From here it is 6km (two hours) to Port Craig Village, crossing the
Sand Hill Point Via-
duct
along the way. Sand Hill Point is one Fiordland's most historic places, as it was used
for centuries as a resting spot for Maori hunting parties. Unfortunately, a side trip to the
point is strictly prohibited.
The monotony of the tramway is suddenly broken when you arrive at the open grassy area
where Port Craig Lodge (40 bunks) is located. The old logging wharf at Port Craig - or
what's left of it - makes for an interesting walk, to view the machinery and other relics still
lying about. Also keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and possibly even a whale in Te Wae-
wae Bay.
