Best trails in Rakiura National Park
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
- (224)•Hard•23.8 mi•Est. 11.5–12.5 hrThis 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...
- (140)•Hard•10.1 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis 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.
- (136)•Easy•2.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis 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).
- (71)•Moderate•8.0 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis 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...
- (57)•Moderate•7.6 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrThis 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/
- (48)•Hard•13.6 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrThis 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...
- (16)•Moderate•8.9 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis 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:
- (13)•Hard•83.0 mi•Est. 24 hr+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.
- (5)•Hard•3.1 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis 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.
- (7)•Moderate•6.6 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis 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:...
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
Points of interest
- Flagstaff Point
- North Arm Campsite
- North Arm Hut
- Māori Beach Campsite
- Port William Campsite
- Port William Hut
- Johnston log hauler
- McAllister log hauler
- Garden Mound
- Māori Beach Sawmill
- Freshwater River
- Freshwater Hut
- Island Hill Homestead
- Rocky Mountain
- Flagstaff Point
- Big Hellfire Beach
- Long Harry Hut
- Big Hellfire Hut
- Yankee River
- Island Hill