Rakiura Track

Rakiura Track is a 32 km circular tramping track in Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island/Rakiura, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Most hikers allow around three days (often two nights), and the walk is commonly done anticlockwise starting at Lee Bay.

This track threads together open coastline, forested interior, and sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. It passes multiple historic milling-related remnants and takes hikers past places tied to early Māori settlement along the coast.

Segmenting the walk into three days is straightforward: Day 1 is Lee Bay to Port William Hut (about 8 km, typically 3–4 hours). The route follows the coast via Little River and Māori Beach, with bridge crossings and a short detour to a rusting steam-boiler relic near Māori Beach.

Day 2 runs Port William Hut to North Arm Hut (about 13 km; typically around 6 hours). This section includes previously milled and virgin podocarp forest and is where conditions can turn very muddy for long stretches (including mud that can rise above boot height).

Day 3 goes from North Arm Hut to the Fern Gully car park (about 11 km). The final day sidles around Paterson Inlet headlands, passing a sawmill site before finishing at Fern Gully, with a short road return (about 2 km) to Oban.

Accommodation is concentrated around the huts and designated campsites: Port William Hut and North Arm Hut, plus campsites at Maori Beach, Port William, and North Arm. Toilets and water are provided at huts/campsites, hut bunks use mattresses, and toilets/gear vary by type of stay; toilet paper isn’t provided.

Logistics are a big part of the experience on Rakiura Track: hut and campsite bookings are required in advance, there’s a maximum stay of 2 nights at each hut/campsite, and the track has no gas cooking facilities or cooking shelters at huts—so carry a portable stove and your own food. Access to North Arm Hut is boat-dependent on tides.

Because of frequent rain on the island, expect soft ground and wet vegetation, particularly in the inland/muddy mid-section between Port William and North Arm. Track sections can be slippery on wooden steps and exposed netting; mobile coverage is limited away from Oban, so plan for communication gaps.

More information: Map, Wikipedia, Rakiura Track | Stewart Island - New Zealand