NEW ZEALAND GREAT WALKS GUIDE
rakiura Track Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Hike
The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island, New Zealand, is a stunning 32-kilometer hike that takes you through native forests, old saw milling sites from the 1860's, and historical Maori settlements. The track is well-maintained and offers a variety of terrain, from dense forest to open beaches. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to spot native wildlife, including kiwi and sea lions.
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Rakiura Track Quick Overview
Why walk the Rakiura Track
Best time to walk
What to Expect
Day Walk Options
Difficulty
Track Elevation
Logistics & Bookings
The crew will be completing the Rakiura Track in 2027 and will update this page including things we learnt, tips, and some pics to get you excited.
rakiura track Quick Overview
location
The Rakiura Track is located on Stewart Island, a small island off the southern coast of the South Island. Stewart Island can be reached by a 1hr ferry from Bluff or alternatively by a 20min flight from Invercargill Airport.
difficulty
Rakiura Track is one if the easier and quietest of the Great Walks. The circuit track is only 32km so distances hiked each day are short with little elevation gain. But beware the track can become very muddy after prolonged periods of rain.
at a glance
LENGTH: 32km loop track
DURATION: 3 days
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CAMPING: Allowed at designated camp sites
possible itinerary
Great Walks Season: All year round
DAY 1: Lee Bay Road to Port William Hut/Campsite 8.1km / 3-4hrs OR 13.1km / 4hrs 30mins-6hrs if you start from Oban
DAY 2: Port William Hut/Campsite to North Arm Hut/Campsite 13km / 6hrs
DAY 3: North Arm Hut/Campsite to Fern Gully car park 11km / 4-4hrs 30mins OR 13km / 4hrs 30mins-5hrs if you finish in Oban
Or reverse
why walk the rakiura track
If you're looking to escape the crowds and experience one of New Zealand's most remote Great Walks, the Rakiura Track is hard to beat. Located on Stewart Island/Rakiura at the southernmost end of New Zealand, this three-day hike offers a peaceful wilderness experience where native forest, quiet beaches and rugged coastline take centre stage.
The Rakiura Track is one of the easiest Great Walks, alongside the Abel Tasman Coast Track, making it an excellent choice for beginner multi-day hikers or anyone looking for a more relaxed tramping experience. The track has relatively gentle gradients, well-maintained paths and manageable daily distances, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than tackling steep climbs.
One of the biggest reasons to walk the Rakiura Track is the incredible wildlife. Stewart Island is home to some of New Zealand's rarest native species, and you're far more likely to encounter wildlife here than on most other Great Walks. Keep an eye out for kiwi, which are often seen foraging during the day as well as at night, along with kākā, tūī, bellbirds, kererū, weka and the curious Stewart Island robin. If you're lucky, you may even spot yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand sea lions or southern right whales along the coastline, depending on the season.
Reaching Stewart Island does require a little more planning than the mainland Great Walks. You'll need to catch either a ferry from Bluff or a flight from Invercargill, and accommodation in Oban—the island's only township—is limited. If you're planning to stay before or after your hike, it's worth booking accommodation, ferry or flight tickets, and any gear rentals well in advance, particularly during the Great Walk season when demand is highest.
For hikers wanting a slower-paced adventure with abundant wildlife, beautiful coastal scenery and a true sense of remoteness, the Rakiura Track offers an experience unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. It's a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in one of the country's great southern wilderness areas.
Rakiura Track overview
The Rakiura Track is located on Stewart Island which is situated off the southern coast of the South Island. The track follows a circuit around the island through forest, past coastline with the chance to see native plants and wildlife including penguins and sea lions. The island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the night skies are known to light up from the aurora australis (southern lights) on occasion.
It is one of the shortest Great Walks spanning only 32km and is usually completed over 2 or 3 days. The Rakiura is a loop track and can be walked in either direction with many hikers beginning from the main town of Oban. There are two huts on the track each with a campsite - Port William Hut (24 bunks) and North Arm Hut (24 bunks) and there is also one other campsite, Maori Beach Campsite.
best time to hike Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track can be walked year-round, making it one of the most accessible Great Walks in New Zealand regardless of the season. Located on Stewart Island / Rakiura, at the very bottom of the South Island, it sits further south than the other Great Walks and experiences noticeably cooler temperatures throughout the year.
Weather conditions on Rakiura are often mild rather than extreme, but the island is known for its changeable coastal climate. Rain can arrive at any time, and long periods of wet weather are common. As a result, sections of the track can become muddy and slippery, particularly in forested areas and low-lying ground after sustained rainfall.
Summer is generally the most popular time to walk the track. While temperatures are still relatively cool compared to the mainland, the warmer months offer the best chance of settled weather and more comfortable conditions for those looking to enjoy the beaches, swim in sheltered bays, or take in the coastal scenery along the way. Longer daylight hours also make for a more relaxed walking experience.
Outside of summer, the track is much quieter, but conditions can feel cooler and wetter, and you’ll need to be well prepared for damp underfoot conditions. Waterproof footwear and good quality rain gear are essential at any time of year, as the weather can shift quickly even within a single day.
Another highlight of the region is the chance to visit nearby Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary known for its rich birdlife and pristine native bush. Many walkers choose to extend their trip with a short detour or day visit from Oban, making it a memorable addition to the overall Rakiura experience.
Rakiura is also one of the least busy Great Walks due to its more remote offshore location, which means hut bookings are often more readily available throughout the year compared to more popular tracks on the mainland. This makes it a great option for those looking for a last-minute Great Walk experience.
As always, check the latest weather forecast before you start, and be prepared for a mix of conditions even if the day begins fine. On Rakiura, the experience is just as much about the journey and atmosphere as it is about the weather itself.
What To Expect
Port William Hut towards North Arm Hut direction
Day 1 - Oban to Port William Hut/Campsite - 4hrs 30mins - 5hrs 30mins / 13km
On Day 1 hikers will head out of Oban walking 5km towards the beginning of the track at Lee Bay. From here the 8.1km hike to Port William Hut/Campsite is expected to take another 3 to 4 hours. The track follows the coast of Lee Bay and up towards Peters Point. At low tide it is possible to walk on the beach or otherwise take the high tide route. The track drops hikers down to Maori Beach and the campsite sits on a grassy clearing. Continue along the track and climb a small hill before coming to Port William Hut and Campsite. Port William was the site of an early Maori settlement and during the 1800’s was used as a base by sealers and whalers.
Day 2 – Port William hut to North Arm Hut – 6hr / 13km
Hikers will backtrack 40min to the hill between Maori Beach and Port William to resume the days 13km hike. The track undulates through valleys and ridges taking around 6hrs to reach the North Arm Hut and campsite. There are remnants on the track from the old sawmilling days. The Rakiura Track is known for being particularly muddy and more so after periods of prolonged rain. Sections of mud can be deep and lengthy. Gaiters are highly recommended.
Day 3 – North Arm Hut to Oban – 4hrs 30min – 5hrs / 13km
The track today takes hikers in and out of bays including Sawdust and Kaipipi Bays that are the sites of historical sawmills. The track undulates through rimu and kamahi forest and provides expansive views across the sheltered inlets. The track officially ends at Fern Gully car park and hikers can continue on Main Road to reach Oban township in another 30mins.
Day Walk Options
The Rakiura track is one of the shortest Great Walks at 32km. It is possible to start the hike from either end of the track to the closest hut (or as far as you wish) and return. For the very fit it is possible to walk the Rakiura track in a single day, but it would be a long and challenging day. It is an undulating track and infamous for a bit of mud that can slow you down.
Alternatively, hike it at either end of the track to the closest hut, have lunch, and return.
Lee Bay to Port William Hut return - 16.2km / 6 -8 hrs. Add another 1hr / 5km if starting and finishing at Stewart Islands town center of Oban.
Fern Gully car park to North Arm Hut return - 22km / 8 - 9hrs. Add another 5 km / 30mins if starting and finishing at Stewart Islands town center of Oban.
RAKIURA TRACK DIFFICULTY
Due to the length and elevation of the Rakiura Track it is considered an easier Great Walk than others. It is common for hikers to complete the track in 3 days, 2 days, or for the very fit in one day. The Rakiura Track however, is known for its muddy sections. Mud can be deep and persist over long sections of the track making the hike slow going, so carrying gaiters is recommended. Don’t forget Stewart Island is in the subantarctic region so temperatures can be much colder down there. Ensure you take plenty of warm layers.
Rakiura Track Elevation Profile
RAKIURA TRACK Logistics & Booking
The Rakiura Track is not as popular as other Great Walks possibly as the track is located on Stewart Island and not the main islands. Hut/campsite bookings may be available throughout the year. For tips and more information on Department of Conservation (DOC) huts/campsites check out the PLAN & BOOK section above or click the link below.
The Rakiura Track is located on Stewart Island which can be reached by ferry or flight. Ferries depart daily from Bluff (25min drive from Invercargill) and take approx. an hour to cross Foveaux Strait. Alternatively, flights depart from Invercargill and Queenstown airport. For more information on transport options check out the PLAN & BOOK sections above or click on the link below.
Oban is the main town on Stewart Island and most accommodation options are located there. During the summer and holiday periods accommodation can fully book out. Usually, hikers are encouraged to get hut/campsite bookings before looking at accommodation options. However, for this Great Walk check to ensure there is available accommodation for the dates you are considering first. For accommodation options check out the PLAN & BOOKsections above or click on the link below.