Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track -- question

I'm confused by the accomodation choices on this track. We don't really want to stay at either of the two suggested huts, but do want to hike the track in the usual direction. Looks like if one treks north on Hump Ridge beyond Okaka Hut & the boardwalk-tour, it should be fairly easy to get at least 500 yards away & the topography implies a tent spot shouldn't be too difficult to find. And, when one reaches the southern shore, seems like a beach tent-spot shouldn't be too difficult to find. So, can we just hike the track as I've outlined without making reservations & paying THRT company the fees, since we won't be using any of their facilities?