Great Walks of New Zealand
Rakiura
Stewart Island
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.
Quick Overview
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Rakiura Track Overview
What to Expect
Day Walk Options
Difficulty
Track Elevation
Logistics & Bookings
We will be completing the Rakiura Track soon and will update this page including things we learnt, tips, and some pics to get you excited.
Rakiura Track
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.
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.
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
Source: Department of Conservation
Logistics and 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 BOOK IT 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 BOOK IT 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 BOOK IT sections above or click on the link below.