Hump Ridge Track near Tuatapere. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
The multi-million dollar upgrade of the country's next Great Walk has been delayed by another year.
The Hump Ridge Track near Tuatapere was first announced as the next Great Walk in 2019 with plans to officially open the upgraded track in late 2022.
The pandemic has caused delays to the upgrade, but the Department of Conservation confirmed its plans to officially open it this upcoming walking season last year.
On Friday, the Department announced that had been pushed back to next October due to supply chain delays, weather conditions and arduous terrain.
The three-day tramp climbs from sea level through coastal forests and tarns. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said they were over the halfway line and they remained on their $7.9 million budget, but there was still a lot to do and they needed more time.
"Great progress has been made to date and visitors walking the track this summer season will notice obvious signs of improvement, even if this is their first time on the Hump Ridge," Fleming said.
The three-day tramp climbs from sea level through coastal forests to tarns and along historic viaduct bridges.
The track remained open to walkers and bookings during the upgrades and is managed by the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Charitable Trust.
The track remains open to walkers and bookings during the upgrades. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
New steps have been installed over rough terrain as part of track upgrades, but other parts remain under construction, but accessible.
"When the Hump Ridge Track upgrade is finished it will be safer and more accessible to more people.
"Tricky gradients are being eased, boardwalks have been put in over mucky ground, sections of the track have been future proofed against climate change and natural hazards and emergency alternative routes and new swing bridges are being constructed."
A historic viaduct bridge on the Hump Ridge Track. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
DOC was also working with mana whenua Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka and Rowallan Alton to develop storytelling for the track and to build a Waharoa (gateway) for the track entrance.
"Improving the Hump Ridge Track means this place steeped in cultural and historical significance becomes more of a drawcard for a larger pool of Kiwi and international visitors."