Best trails in Rakiura National Park

Native bush, secluded beaches, and the chance to spot a kiwi in the wild make this multi-day loop a quintessential Stewart Island experience. Starting and finishing in the township of Oban, or via a short shuttle ride to Lee Bay, the journey is typically completed over three days. The route is traditionally broken into three distinct sections that connect the island’s sheltered bays with its rugged interior, providing a gentle introduction to the unique pace of life on Rakiura. The scenery...

The Rakiura Track invites adventurers to immerse themselves in the wild, coastal beauty of Stewart Island, where the rhythmic sounds of the Pacific Ocean meet the lush canopy of an ancient podocarp forest. As one of New Zealand’s premier multi-day journeys, the full circuit typically spans three days of exploration through Rakiura National Park. This specific segment marks the official start of the Great Walk experience, guiding trampers from the iconic chain-link sculpture at Lee Bay through...

This is a beautiful walk on Ulva Island which is a part of Steward Island/Rakiura. The island provides spectacular flora and birdlife. Keep your eyes open for the kākā, kiwi birds, kakariki, weka, etc.) It's best to book the water taxi in advance but they are quite flexible and sometimes you can hop right on (pay after).

Stunning coastal vistas and the deep green of the Rakiura forest come together to provide a fitting finale to one of New Zealand’s most tranquil multi-day journeys. The Rakiura Track circuit usually spans three days, offering a deep dive into the island’s unique natural heritage. This final leg marks day three of the adventure, guiding trampers from the North Arm Hut back to the warm welcome of Oban Township. The track meanders through lush rainforest and along the sheltered shores of...

Deep within the emerald heart of Stewart Island, the Rakiura Track offers a chance to experience the solitude of one of New Zealand's most remote Great Walks. This circuit is a true journey through time, traversing landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. This particular segment is day two of the adventure, leading trampers from the coastal shelter of Port William Hut across the island's forested interior to the tranquil shores of North Arm. The journey takes you...

This is a beautiful day walk located on Steward Island. The track starts from Oban and takes you past Horseshoe Point and Garden Mount to Maori Beach Campsite. It's a long, but pretty easy walk on a fairly well-maintained trail with lots of wildlife, great views, and beautiful beaches along the way. Please note that bookings are required to stay at Maori Beach Campsite. More information is available at...

This track is part of the North West Circuit Stewart Island multi-day tramp. This section will take you from Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut. Be prepared for flooding on the track after heavy rain. Please note that fees are required to stay at both huts. Bookings are not required - first come, first served. More information is available at:

This track is part of the North West Circuit Stewart Island multi-day tramp. This section will take you from Freshwater Hut to North Arm Hut & Campsite. Be prepared for flooding on the track after heavy rain (some creeks may become impassable). More information about huts and campsite is available at: Freshwater Hut Fees are required. Bookings are not required - first come, first served. North Arm Hut Bookings and fees are required:...

This track takes you from Oban/Halfmoon Bay and returns to complete the beautiful Stewart Island North West Circuit in Rakiura National Park. This long, challenging loop requires up to 10 days of self-sufficient travel and is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped trampers. The route traverses beautiful beaches, rivers, and stunning coastal scenery, but is famously difficult. Expect long sections of knee-deep mud, continuous scrambling over wet tree roots, and steep, slippery...

This track is part of the North West Circuit Stewart Island multi-day tramp. This section will take you through the hilly forest, from Port William Hut to Bungaree Hut. Please note that fees and bookings are required to stay at Port William Hut More information about hut fees and bookings is available at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/rakiura-national-park/things-to-do/port-william-hut/ No bookings are required to stay at...