Great Walks - Rakiura Track

It is important to plan and prepare so that you are well equipped to enjoy your Great Walk.

Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to help you stay safe:

Plan your trip
Tell someone
Be aware of the weather
Know your limits
Take sufficient supplies

Rakiura Track safety

The weather is very changeable and difficult to predict. Walkers should come well-equipped and be prepared for all weather conditions, extreme weather can occur at any time of the year.
Cell phone coverage is limited on the track. Telecom provides the only cell phone coverage on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Things to know before you go

A good level of fitness and the right outdoor clothing and equipment will greatly improve the enjoyment of your trip.
Safety is your responsibility - leave your trip details with a trusted contact. Intention forms are available at adventuresmart.org.nz.
Book your trip well in advance including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/end of the Great Walk.
Pack all necessary equipment, your own food and drinks and any personal items for your trip including an extra day's supply of food and water.
For a full list of equipment and preparation required for this walk, plus track updates for the Rakiura Track, please visit the DOC website.

When to go

The Rakiura Track is suitable for walking all year round. During the winter months the weather on Stewart Island/Rakiura is generally cool, yet settled, making this track a great opportunity to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in idyllic surroundings any time of the year.

What to bring

Your basic equipment needs to include

Backpack
Sleeping bag and liner
Portable cooking stove
Cooking utensils
Food, incl. high-energy food
Waterproof rain jacket and overtrousers
Warm/thermal clothing
Hiking boots
Map and compass
Lighter and matches
Drink bottle & water

Add camping gear to your list if you’re staying at a campsite.

Travelling with children

The Rakiura Track is an ideal walk for families and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. It takes 3 days to walk the 32km / 20mi circuit.

Nearest DOC visitor centre

Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
15 Main Road
Stewart Island
+64 3 219 0009
rakiuravc@doc.govt.nz

Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Weekends: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Off-peak and public holidays: restricted hours

Services

Great Walks bookings and recreation information for the area.

Nearest airport

Invercargill - 65km / 40mi
To get to Stewart Island/Rakiura you can either choose to catch a 20 minute flight from Invercargill or you can drive from Invercargill to Bluff (20 minutes) and then catch a 1 hour ferry to the island’s main township, Oban.

Flights to this airport typically connect from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. The above driving times are indicative only - always allow for extra time to get to your destination.

How to get to the trailhead

Rakiura Track is situated on New Zealand's Stewart Island/Rakiura, just a 20 minute flight from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff. The track begins at Lee Bay, the official entrance to Rakiura National Park.

Transport and accommodation

Guides and commercial tourism providers - find accommodation, transport, and activities in the area.

DOC provides two huts and three campsites along the Rakiura Track.

Huts

The Rakiura Track huts provide heating, toilets, bunks, mattresses and cold running water. Note: Huts do not provide pots and pans, cooking utensils, hot showers, linen, toilet paper or food and drinks for purchase. Make sure you put these things on your checklist before you go.

Port William Hut: 24 bunks
North Arm Hut: 24 bunks

Campsites

Each hut has a camping site nearby and there is an additional campsite at Māori Beach. Campsites offer basic facilities including a water supply, cooking shelter and toilets. Campers are not permitted to use the hut facilities.

Cost and booking

Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts and campsites.

Bookings are essential! Use the DOC online booking system prior to travel or call 0800 NZ GREATWALKS.

Track description

The Rakiura Track is a 32km / 20mi circuit and can be walked in either direction. It can comfortably be walked in three days for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Shuttle services are available from the island’s township of Oban to the start/end of the track.

View map

Elevation profile

Walking guide

Halfmoon Bay to Port William Hut

4-5 hours, 12km / 7mi

Step through the chain link sculpture commissioned to recognise the forming of the Rakiura National Park, to start your island adventure. Enjoy stunning coastal views as the track makes its way from Lee Bay to picturesque Little River, which is crossed by bridge. Rounding the tip of Peters Point brings you to Māori Beach, once home to several sawmills and a school. An old boiler is all that remains of a once thriving sawmilling community. From here it is a sweeping beach walk to the swing bridge before climbing up the forested ridge and dropping down into Magnetic Beach and Port William Hut at the far end.

Port William Hut to North Arm Hut

6 hours, 13km / 8mi

Make your way through regenerating podocarp forest and then dense bush as you leave the east coast behind you. Take a breather at the old log haulers that used to drag the forest giants out of the gullies and hillsides, travel down the tramlines which both show remnants of a bygone world, and reflect on the hardy settlers who worked the saws to retain a livelihood.

North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay