Rakiura Track
Located in Rakiura National Park and Stewart Island/Rakiura in the Southland region
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Introduction
Escape on an island adventure - relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings with the bush, birds and beach at your side.Bookings are open for the 2023/24 season.
32 km loop
Dog access
Image gallery
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Trampers on the Rakiura Track Image: 90 Seconds ©
![Trampers walking across bridge, Rakiura Track.]( "Trampers walking across bridge, Rakiura Track.")
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Trampers on Magnetic Beach Image: | DOC
![Trampers on the Rakiura Track walk along Magnetic Beach below the campsite at Port William.]( "Trampers on the Rakiura Track walk along Magnetic Beach below the campsite at Port William.")
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Enjoy views of the clear clean sea Image: Baptiste Maryns ©
![Woman looking out to clear waters from Rakiura Track.]( "Woman looking out to clear waters from Rakiura Track.")
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You'll find historic relics dispersed along the track Image: Jeremy Pearce ©
![Historic relics on Rakiura Track.]( "Historic relics on Rakiura Track.")
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Swing bridge on Maori Beach, Rakiura Track Image: 90 Seconds ©
![Trampers on bridge, Rakiura Track.]( "Trampers on bridge, Rakiura Track.")
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Port William, Rakiura Track Image: 90 Seconds ©
![Port William, Rakiura Track.]( "Port William, Rakiura Track.")
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Trampers on Maori Beach Image: 90 Seconds ©
![Trampers on Maori Beach.]( "Trampers on Maori Beach.")
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Chain link sculpture at entrance to the national park Image: | DOC
![Chain link sculpture at the entrance to Rakiura National Park. Image: DOC.]( "Chain link sculpture at the entrance to Rakiura National Park. Image: DOC.")
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Log hauler—a remnant of milling activity Image: | DOC
![Log hauler, Rakiura Track.]( "Log hauler, Rakiura Track.")
Highlights
The circuit follows open coastline, crosses forested interior and meanders along the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. It passes sites of historical interest and introduces many of the common sea and forest birds of the island. Parts of it cross Māori land and access is courtesy of the owners.
- Listen out for the Rakiura tokoeka/kiwi calling or look for its footprints
- Immerse yourself in history, from early Māori settlement sites to sawmilling relics.
- Wander through beautiful native forests.
Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos
Places to stay
The campsites are not adjacent to the huts. Camping is only allowed at these designated campsites. When camping, you may not use hut facilities, but a cooking shelter, water supply and toilet are provided at each site.
Oban township to Lee Bay
Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Distance: 5 km
Lee Bay to Port William Hut
Time: 3 to 4 hr
Distance: 8 km
Passing through the chain link sculpture at Lee Bay, the track follows the coast to Little River, which is crossed by a bridge. At low tide it is possible to walk around the beach and pick up the track at the point.
From there the track heads around Peter’s Point and on to Maori Beach. The creek at the southern end of Maori Beach can easily be waded at low tide, however at high tide, continue along the track until you come to a small foot bridge. A track leading to a rusting steam boiler, a relic from the sawmilling days, can be found just few minutes on from the turn-off to this bridge. Maori Beach campsite is situated in a grassy clearing close to the beach.
A larger bridge spans the tidal stream at the northern end of the beach and from here the track climbs a small hill and continues on to the intersection with the track to North Arm. Turn right and you will gradually drop down to the campsite above Magnetic Beach in Port William/Potirepo. Port William Hut is just a few minutes beyond the campsite.
Port William Hut to North Arm Hut
Time: 6 hr
Distance: 13 km
This section of track starts on the hill between Maori Beach and Port William. Trampers usually stay the night at Port William Hut and then backtrack the 40 minutes to the turn-off.
The track passes through a variety of vegetation including previously milled and virgin podocarp forest. Remnants of milling activity are seen along the track as it follows old tramlines for the logs being directed to their various destinations.
Very muddy parts
During long periods of rain the track can get so muddy that the mud goes above boot height. The muddy areas can be up to 500 m long and also muddy in smaller sections. Gaiters are recommended as the mud can reach above footwear level. Some people also prefer to use tramping poles along this section.
Log haulers on Google Street View
A campsite, with shelter and toilet, is sited above North Arm Hut.
North Arm Hut to Fern Gully car park
Time: 4 to 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 11 km
This section of track provides trampers access to the shores of Paterson Inlet.
The track sidles around the headland from North Arm to Sawdust Bay.It passes a sawmill site which was operated between 1914 and 1918. The track continues through rimu and kamahi dominated forest emerging at the sheltered bays of Kidney Fern Arm and Kaipipi Bay. At Kaipipi Bay two sawmills employed more than 100 people in the 1860s.
The track between Kaipipi and Halfmoon Bays follows the former Kaipipi Road, in its heyday the most used and best maintained on the island.
Fern Gully car park to Oban township
it is another 2 km along the road (turn left into Main Rd) to get back to Oban township.
Bookings are open for the 2023/24 season.
Hut fees
In the Great Walks season (1 October – 30 April)
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $37 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $56 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $28 per person, per night
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
1 May – 30 June
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
1 July – 30 September
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $26 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Campsite fees
In the Great Walks season (1 October – 30 April)
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $24 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $12 per person, per night
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May – 30 September)
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
What to book
Before you start walking the Rakiura Track:
- You need to book huts and/or campsites on the track. If you don’t have a valid booking for your stay, you may be charged a penalty, or turned away if the hut/campsite is full.
- You can choose to book a shuttle between Oban and the start/end of the track - otherwise it's a 1 hour walk - or a water taxi to huts/campsites on the track
How to book
- Decide whether you want to walk clockwise or anti-clockwise.
- Decide what huts or campsites you want to stay at. Consider:
- Decide the date you want to stay at each hut/campsite. Note the maximum stay at each hut/campsite is 2 nights.
- If there is no space in one of the huts/campsites you want to stay at, consider:
- Starting your walk on a different date
- Changing the direction you walk in
- Book huts/campsites online or contact a DOC visitor centre for personal assistance. Note:
- Bookings are required for children and/or youth even though it's free for them to stay.
- If you're booking campsites, you'll need to know the number of people in your group as well as the number of tent sites required.
- Optional: Book transport services to/from the start/end of the track, or to huts/campsites on the track. This can be done upon arrival on Stewart Island.
Booking on behalf of others
Guided groups: To operate a commercial activity in an area managed by DOC, you need to apply for a concession (an official permit), in addition to any bookings you would need to make. Read more about concessions
To make multiple bookings for facilities/services on behalf of customers, you must obtain permission or an agent agreement from DOC. To do this, email: agents@doc.govt.nz
Getting to the start of the Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track can be walked in either direction, starting from two locations:
- The official entrance to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay, 5 km from Oban. If walking from the DOC visitor centre in Oban, turn right and walk down Main Road. Turn left into Elgin Terrace, past the supermarket, and up the hill. Follow this main coastal road over a series of hills to Horseshoe Bay, then on to Lee Bay.
- The Fern Gully car park, 2 km beyond the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, which is located on Main Road in Oban.
If you prefer not to walk from Oban, shuttles can be used for drop-offs at Lee Bay or water taxis can be used for access to Rakiura Track huts.
Access to North Arm hut by boat is dependent on tides.
Getting to Stewart Island/Rakiura
To get to Oban, the only township on Stewart Island/Rakiura, you can take a 20-minute flight from Invercargill or a 1-hour ferry trip across Foveaux Strait from the southern port of Bluff. In Oban you’ll find accommodation, supplies, equipment hire and transport to and from the start of the track.
Stewart Island’s weather is very changeable and difficult to predict. Strong winds, hail and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Check the Rakiura National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
You should come equipped for the very worst weather conditions. Exposure and hypothermia can affect anyone and can kill.
Sections of deep mud
During long periods of rain the track can get so muddy that the mud goes above boot height.
This occurs between Port William Hut to North Arm Hut. The muddy areas can be up to 500 m long and also in smaller sections.
Sturdy footwear and gaiters are recommended as the mud can reach above footwear level. Some people also prefer to use tramping poles along this section.
Safety is your responsibility
Plan properly for your trip and ensure your party has a capable, experienced leader.
Mobile coverage is restricted to the immediate township area, so you may wish to consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon or Mountain Radio.
Fill in the hut books and include any change of plans.
Keep to the tracks. Off the tracks the valleys are steep-sided and densely bush-clad.
Exposed netting on the track
Be careful where netting is exposed and on wooden steps, these sections may be slippery.
Bring a copy of the DOC confirmation letter with you, or stop by the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre at Oban before you start walking on the track.
Huts on the Rakiura Track don't have gas cooking facilities, lighting or toilet paper. Remember to take a portable stove and fuel, candles and toilet paper with you.
Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof/plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including blister treatment materials
- Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year, for example, map, compass
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
Cooking and food equipment
- Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel
- Gas cooker and fuel, for example, gas canister
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
Toiletries
- Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option
If camping
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Ground sheet
Clothing
- For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night.
- Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear – should be comfortable and well broken in
- Socks – wool or polypropylene
- Shorts – quick dry material
- Shirt – wool or polypropylene
- Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
- Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
- Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Food
You cannot buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
- Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads
- Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
- Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.
You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
Diverse native birdsong, lush forest, relics of bygone days, beaches and rugged coastlines are all features of this year-round Great Walk.
Port William
Maori established hunting camps or kaika at many coastal sites, including Port William/Potirepo, reached by outrigger canoe. Port William/Potirepo was the site of the early Maori settlement of Pa Whakataka.
During the 1800s its sheltered harbour was used by sealers and later as a whaling base. Gold prospecting was unsuccessful but the discovery of an oyster bed proved more lucrative. A government subsidised settlement by Shetland Islanders lasted only a short time, the bay’s gum trees the only remains of their presence.
Maori Beach
In the early 1900s, timber milling developed at Maori Beach which, by 1920, had two sawmills and a school. From the track, you’ll be able to see remains of the sawmilling enterprise which lasted here until 1931.
Paterson Inlet
The sheltered waters of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera were used early in the 19th century by whaling boats. However, the first large scale industry here was in timber, beginning in 1861 with the opening of sawmills at Kaipipi.
In the 1920s and 1930s the Norwegian Whaling Company ran a repair base in Prices Inlet where chaser boats were serviced in preparation for the Antarctic summer.
The “link track”
First established in the 1980s, the walking track linking Port William with Paterson Inlet has been improved and upgraded to take walkers past relics of the timber milling days.
Diverse forest
The Rakiura Track takes walkers through mainly rimu and kamahi forest with a rich diversity of tree ferns, ground ferns and perching orchids. Rata is more common at higher altitudes.
A wonderland for bird watching
Along the coast, keen bird watchers should look out for mutton birds/tïtï (sooty shearwaters), shags/kawau, Buller’s mollymawks/toroa, cape pigeons/titore and little blue penguins/korora.
In the forest, walkers may see and hear bellbirds/korimako, tui, fantails/pïwakawaka, parakeets/kakariki, shining cuckoos/pipiwharauroa and wood pigeons/keruru, grey warblers/riroriro, kaka and tomtits/miromiro.
The tidal flats of Paterson Inlet host a variety of wading birds including the New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu, oyster catchers/torea, herons/matuku moana and godwits/kuaka.
There are many kiwi on Stewart Island. Kiwi are nocturnal, and most are active during the night. Use a red light or red filter to cover your torch to minimise disturbance when looking for kiwi. Do not use flash photography or bright lights.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 219 0009 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | stewartisland@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
15 Main Road Oban 9818 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 3 Rakiura/Stewart Island 9846 |
| Full office details | |
