The Rakiura Track: A Great Walk on Stewart Island
The Rakiura Track is the most southerly of the New Zealand Great Walks. It is a 32-kilometre loop on Stewart Island, and most people walk it in three days. The track is less polished than many mainland routes. In return, you get empty beaches, mossy forest and a real chance of seeing a wild kiwi.
This guide covers the route, huts, booking, getting to the island and the best time to go. For the bigger picture, read our overview of the New Zealand Great Walks.
What Is the Rakiura Track?
Rakiura is the Māori name for Stewart Island. The track runs through Rakiura National Park, which covers most of the island. It starts at Lee Bay and finishes at the Fern Gully car park, about two kilometres from the town of Oban.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | 32 km loop |
| Duration | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Huts | Port William Hut and North Arm Hut |
| Campsites | Māori Beach, Port William and North Arm |
| Cooking | No gas cookers, bring a portable stove |
| Bikes | Not allowed |
Rakiura Track Route, Day by Day
Getting to the start. Lee Bay is five kilometres from Oban. Allow about 90 minutes on foot along the road. Shuttles also run to Lee Bay.
Day 1: Lee Bay to Port William Hut (8 km, 3 to 4 hours). The track follows the coast through forest and past quiet beaches. You pass Māori Beach before reaching Port William Hut. Lee Bay itself is a good spot for views.
Day 2: Port William Hut to North Arm Hut (13 km, about 6 hours). This is the longest day. The track climbs inland over a ridge and through muddier forest. It then drops to North Arm. Wet boots are normal here.
Day 3: North Arm Hut to Fern Gully (11 km, 4 to 4.5 hours). The track sidles around the headland to Sawdust Bay. Look for the remains of a sawmill that ran from 1914 to 1918. Next, it passes through lush bush to Kaipipi Bay, a fine place for a picnic. From Fern Gully, walk the last two kilometres back to Oban.
Huts and Booking on the Rakiura Track
Two DOC huts and three campsites serve the track. Bookings are required in the Great Walks season. The maximum stay is two nights at each hut or campsite. The huts have no gas cookers or cooking shelters, so carry a stove and all your food.
Water taxis can reach the North Arm Hut, but access depends on the tide. If you want a shorter trip, you can use a water taxi to skip a section. Ask the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre in Oban about current options.
Getting to Stewart Island
Stewart Island lies 30 kilometres south-west of Bluff. A ferry from Bluff to Oban takes about one hour. You can also fly from Invercargill in around 15 minutes. Book transport early in summer.
Most visitors base themselves in Oban for a night before and after the walk. Read more in our Rakiura National Park guide and our Stewart Island activities page.
Wildlife on the Rakiura Track
Stewart Island is one of the best places in New Zealand to see a wild kiwi. Most sightings happen at dusk or at night, so bring a red torch. You may also see tūī, kākā and weka. Penguins and seals live along the coast.
For a day trip, take a water taxi to Ulva Island. It is a predator-free sanctuary with rare birds. Browse more ideas in our wildlife and beaches activities category.
Best Time to Walk the Rakiura Track
The Great Walks season runs from late October to April. Summer is the warmest and the busiest. Autumn can be calm and quiet. Stewart Island has changeable weather and frequent rain at any time of year. The mid-section is often muddy, and wooden steps get slippery.
Phone reception is limited away from Oban. Tell someone your plans before you set out.
What to Pack for the Rakiura Track
- Waterproof jacket, trousers and a spare set of dry clothes
- Gaiters or boots that cope with mud
- Portable stove, fuel and all your food
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Red torch for kiwi spotting
- Insect repellent for sandflies
Fit the Rakiura Track into Your Southland Trip
Stewart Island pairs well with the rest of the deep south. Look at our Southland activities page and our South Island tours. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is also in Southland. The Kepler Track is a good next step if you want an alpine walk.
Plan Your New Zealand Hiking Trip
See how the Rakiura Track compares in our best hikes in New Zealand guide. Our hiking tours cover guided and self-guided trips. For help with timing, read our best time to visit New Zealand guide. We can also build a custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Rakiura Track?
The Rakiura Track is a 32-kilometre loop. Most walkers take three days and two nights.
Is the Rakiura Track hard?
It is easier than the alpine Great Walks, but it is not a stroll. The middle day is long and muddy, so you need reasonable fitness and good boots.
Can you see kiwi on the Rakiura Track?
Yes, there is a good chance. Stewart Island kiwi are often active in daylight, but dusk is best. Walk quietly and use a red torch.
Do you need to book the Rakiura Track?
Yes. In the Great Walks season, you must book huts and campsites in advance through DOC.
Can you cycle the Rakiura Track?
No. Bikes are not allowed on the Rakiura Track.