Hump Ridge Track Viaducts: What Agents Should Know

The Hump Ridge Track is the newest of New Zealand's Great Walks, and two of its best-known structures are now closed. The walk itself carries on. Our New Zealand team has the full planning detail in its Hump Ridge Track notes. This page is the short version for agents who sell walking programmes across our destinations.

What Changed on the Track?

On 2 April 2026 New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) reported:

• Two viaducts closed. The historic Percy Burn and Edwin Burn viaducts closed in February 2026 after inspections found their hardwood parts had deteriorated and were not safe to cross.
• The track stays open. Walkers bypass both viaducts on an existing track and bridge.
• One viaduct is still open. DOC said the Sandhill Viaduct remains open.
• A neighbouring route is cut. The Francis Burn Viaduct on the South Coast Track is also closed, with no marked way around it.

We have not seen a later DOC update on repairs, so we treat the closures as current until DOC says otherwise.

Does It Change How Agents Sell the Walk?

• The product is the same. It is still a three-day, 61.5 km loop from the Rarakau car park near Tuatapere, with two nights in lodges.
• The photographs may not match the day. Many images of the track show walkers on the viaducts. We brief clients that the route now goes around them.
• It is booked outside DOC's system. The Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust runs the track and its lodges with DOC, and bookings go through the trust.
• It suits fit walkers only. DOC rates it for moderate to high fitness, so we check the group before we offer it.

How Should Agents Handle Closures in General?

• Check status at quotation and again before departure. Track and structure closures can change between the two.
• Keep an alternative in the plan. Fiordland has other walks and boat days that can replace a day if a route changes.
• Say what is closed in the client notes. A group that knows in advance does not feel let down on the day.
• Plan each destination on its own rules. Closures, bookings and seasons differ in every country we cover, so we quote each one on its own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hump Ridge Track open?

Yes. DOC closed the Percy Burn and Edwin Burn viaducts in February 2026, but the track stays open and walkers use an existing bypass track and bridge.

Why were the viaducts closed?

DOC said inspections showed the hardwood parts of the historic viaducts had deteriorated and they were not safe to cross.

Is any viaduct on the track still open?

Yes. DOC said the Sandhill Viaduct remains open.

How long is the Hump Ridge Track?

DOC lists a 61.5 km loop over three days, starting and finishing at the Rarakau car park near Tuatapere.

Who takes the bookings?

The Tuatapere Hump Track Charitable Trust, which runs the track and its lodges with DOC. Bookings do not go through the DOC booking system.

Sources

• Historic viaducts closed for safety, Hump Ridge Track remains open, Department of Conservation, 2 April 2026
• Hump Ridge Track, Department of Conservation

Where Explera Fits

Our New Zealand team plans Fiordland and Southland walking programmes at net rates for travel agents, tour operators and MICE planners, and we combine New Zealand with programmes in our other destinations.

Write to b2b@explera.co.nz or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).