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Best trails in Rakiura National Park

Best trails in Rakiura National Park

3.9(723 reviews)

·

New Zealand
: 
#11 of 13 national parks

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Rakiura National Park is made up of nature reserves, state forest area, and scenic reserves. It is a beautiful park with many fun tracks to explore.

Top trails

1
#1 - Rakiura Track
4.5(218)
•Hard
•23.8 mi
•Est. 11h 5m
This tramp through native forest, secluded beaches and Maori settlement sites offers a taste of Stewart Island and is often completed in 2-3 days. Before you start hiking the Rakiura Track: -Book huts and/or campsites on the track: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/rakiura-national-park/things-to-do/rakiura-track/ -Decide whether to book a shuttle between Oban and the end of the trail or walk or take a water taxi to...
2
#2 - Lee Bay to Port William
4.6(138)
•Hard
•10.1 mi
•Est. 4h 52m
This track takes you from Lee Bay to Port William located in the Rakiura National Park on the Steward Island. It's a beautiful coastal walk through lush forest with stunning scenery and plentiful birdlife along the way. The track is well-maintained with two campsites on the way. Port William has a fantastic hut.
3
#3 - Ulva Island Walking Track
4.7(135)
•Easy
•2.7 mi
•Est. 1h 9m
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).
4
#4 - North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay
4.4(71)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
•Est. 3h 36m
This track is the final section of the North West Circuit Stewart Island multi-day tramp. It will take you from North Arm Hut & Campsite to Halfmoon Bay (Oban). Please note that fees and bookings are required to stay at the hut and the campsite. More information about huts and campsite are available at: North Arm Hut https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/rakiura-national-park/things-to-do/north-arm-hut/ North Arm...
5
#5 - Port William Hut to North Arm Hut
4.5(56)
•Moderate
•7.6 mi
•Est. 3h 50m
This track is part of the Rakiura Track (the shortest track of all New Zealand's Great Walks). This section will take you from Port William Hut & Campsite to North Arm Hut & Campsite. Please note that bookings for this great walk are required. More information 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/rakiura-track/
6
#6 - Maori Beach Campsite via Rakiura Track
4.7(47)
•Hard
•13.6 mi
•Est. 6h 14m
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...
7
#7 - Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut
4.4(16)
•Moderate
•8.9 mi
•Est. 3h 11m
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:
8
#8 - Stewart Island Northwest Circuit
4.6(13)
•Hard
•83.0 mi
•Est. Multi-day
The Stewart Island Northwest Circuit is a beautiful multi-day tramp located in Rakiura National Park on the Steward Island. It is a long challenging loop walk suitable for well-equipped and experienced trampers only. There are beautiful beaches, rivers, rocky headlands, and stunning coastal scenery. Please note that bookings in advance are required to stay at at huts and campsites along the track.
9
#9 - Rocky Mountain Track
4.5(5)
•Hard
•3.1 mi
•Est. 2h 40m
This is a popular side trip for trampers walking the Steward Island North West and Southern Circuit. It's a steep climb from Freshwater Hut providing panoramic views over the Paterson inlet and Freshwater Flats. Please note that fees are required to stay at Freshwater Hut. Bookings are not required - first come, first served. It's a standard 16 bunk beds hut.
10
#10 - Freshwater Hut to North Arm Hut
3.0(6)
•Moderate
•6.6 mi
•Est. 3h 34m
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:...
Showing results 1–10 of 23
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Trail reviews for Rakiura National Park

1,306 trailgoers Busiest in January
Hanako Meise
Sep 30, 2024•Hiking
Not crowded

I started from my hostel and in total it took me 9hrs 45minutes to come back. The track from Rakiura Track Lee Bay to Maori Beach is more like a beach trail walk and the rest is a rain forest walk. I kept my pace 12-14 minutes per km, walking / running at some part. It was raining so some parts were very muddy and some parts were deep. When I reached the normal road back to my hostel, my legs were shaking but overall it was satisfying

Rakiura Track
Katherine Eck
Mar 25, 2025•Hiking
Good conditionsGood views

Lovely first day doing the Rakiura track. Walked from Oban town to start the track which had lovely views of the bays and added around 5km. Saw a white tail deer but no kiwis. Not muddy but fairly undulating with a big climb towards the end. Lovely hut at Port William right near the beach.

Difficulty: Moderate
Lee Bay to Port William
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Rakiura National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Rakiura National Park is Rakiura Track, which has a 4.5 star rating from 218 reviews. This trail is 23.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,094 ft.

What is the longest trail in Rakiura National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Rakiura National Park is Stewart Island Northwest Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 83.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Rakiura National Park?

There are 23 trails in Rakiura National Park. These trails have an average 3.9-star rating from 723 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Rakiura National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Rakiura National Park has you covered. Stewart Island Northwest Circuit boasts the most elevation gain with 16,026 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Rakiura Track, which will get you 4,094 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Rakiura National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Rakiura National Park and the most popular is Rakiura Track with an average 4.5 star rating from 218 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Rakiura National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Rakiura National Park and the most popular is Rakiura Track with an average 4.5 star rating from 218 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Rakiura National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Rakiura National Park, including Maori Beach Campsite via Rakiura Track, Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut, Doughboy Bay Hut to Mason Bay Hut, Rakeahua Hut to Doughboy Bay Hut, and Big Sandhill Loop Walk.

Are there any trails with rivers in Rakiura National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Rakiura National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Rakiura National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with historical ruins in Rakiura National Park, including Rakiura Track, Lee Bay to Port William, North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay, and Port William Hut to North Arm Hut.

Are there any trails with beaches in Rakiura National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Rakiura National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic viewpoints in Rakiura National Park, including Ulva Island Walking Track and Maori Beach Campsite via Rakiura Track.