Rakiura Track

Escape on an island adventure and exchange the hustle and bustle of mainland life for the tranquillity of the Rakiura Track – one of the Great Walks. Revel in the peacefulness and idyllic surroundings with the bush, birds and beach at your side.

Enjoy stunning coastal views and get absorbed in lush and dense virgin forest and regenerating podocarp forest on this leisurely circular track.

This is the ultimate island wilderness experience and a taste of the way New Zealand used to be. You’ll be welcomed by a cacophony of native birdsong and a warm greeting from the locals in the tiny settlement of Oban.

The amazing Rakiura tokoeka/kiwi (unlike their cousins further north) can sometimes be seen foraging during daylight hours and can often be heard calling at the day’s end.

Immerse yourself in the history, from early Māori settlement sites around Māori Beach and Port William/Potirepo, to sawmilling relics dispersed along the track.

If you get the chance, visit iconic Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, off Stewart Island/Rakiura, a beautiful island sanctuary open to the public.

Rakiura, Stewart Island © Southland Tourism

Where is it?

Oban, Stewart Island/Rakiura. Take a 20min flight from Invercargill or a 1hr ferry trip across Foveaux Strait from the southern port of Bluff.

Good to know

During the Great Walks season you will need to book your space in advance, so planning ahead is essential.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 3 days/2 nights; 32km

FITNESS: Medium fitness required

TERRAIN: Intermediate tramping track

Track Overview

On the first day enjoy stunning coastal views from Lee Bay to picturesque Little River. Continue around to walk along Māori Beach. After the swing bridge, climb up the forested ridge then down to the hut.

The next day you will walk through beautiful regenerating podocarp forest, as well as lush and dense virgin forest. The track descends to North Arm on Paterson Inlet.

On the third day the track goes through native forest of kāmahi and rimu, with wonderful views across the inlet. Continue to follow the coast down to secluded bays, with historic mill sites along the way. Sawdust Bay has tidal mudflats, making it a great spot to watch wading birds feeding at low tide. The track ends at Fern Gully car park, 2km from Oban.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels