- Region
- Stewart Island, New Zealand
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements with the Depar…
- Managed by
- New Zealand Department of Conservation
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Rakiura National Park trip tools
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Photos of Rakiura National Park
How to get there
Ferries connect Bluff on the South Island with Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura, across Foveaux Strait. From Oban township, the walking approach to Lee Bay is 5 km and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Oban
The island’s main settlement and ferry arrival point from Bluff. The walking approach from the township to Lee Bay is 5 km, with a stated time of 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Lee Bay
A Rakiura Track access point marked by a chain link sculpture. From here, the coastal section leads through Little River and Maori Beach towards Port William Hut.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Stewart Island, New Zealand · Season: Best: December - March
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
The country
Rakiura (Stewart Island) is a heavily forested, rain-soaked island anchor at the bottom of New Zealand. The park covers 85% of the island, characterized by pristine podocarp-broadleaf forests and massive golden sand beaches. The wildlife is remarkably tame due to the absence of many introduced predators, establishing it as a primary sanctuary for native birds.
Why enthusiasts come
While beginners stick to the easy 3-day Rakiura Track (one of NZ's Great Walks), hardcore trampers come for the grueling North West Circuit. This 10-12 day epic is infamous for thigh-deep mud bogs and complete isolation. It is one of the only places on Earth where you can routinely see the elusive Tokoeka (brown kiwi) foraging during the daytime.
Top experiences
Hiking across the tidal expanses of Mason Bay offers a massive, wild coastline pummeled by the Roaring Forties. Navigating the treacherous mud pits of the North West Circuit requires jumping between tree roots and scrambling through dense vegetation. Nighttime spotlighting near the huts reveals kiwis, penguins, and glowing phosphorescence in the bays.
Planner-relevant notes
Huts on the Rakiura Great Walk must be booked well in advance through the DOC website. Huts on the North West/Southern Circuits use backcountry hut passes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Pack copious amounts of gas and food, as resupply is impossible once you leave the single town of Oban.
Field notes
- Embrace the mud. Do not try to skirt around the mud holes, as you will permanently damage the fragile forest ecology; walk right through them.
- Tides on Mason Bay and other coastal sections arrive fast; strictly read tide charts to avoid being crushed against cliffs.
- Sandflies on the beaches are vicious; carry a strong DEET repellent and long pants.
- Keep all food tightly sealed in the huts, as possums and rats are experts at chewing through backpacks for snacks.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island, New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- -46.9940, 167.8340
- Latitude (DMS)
- 46° 59′ 38.4″ S
- Longitude (DMS)
- 167° 50′ 2.4″ E
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Rakiura National Park, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Endless mud, roaring oceans, and wild kiwi spotting on New Zealand's rugged, remote third island.
Key takeaways
- Region: Stewart Island, New Zealand
- Best season: Best: December - March
- Coordinates: -46.994, 167.834
Climate suitability
Best: December - March
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Rakiura National Park
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
An island park of forest and coast
Rakiura National Park covers more than 80 percent of Stewart Island/Rakiura, off the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island. Much of its character comes from the island’s densely forested, hilly terrain and deeply indented coast. Most residents live in Oban, on the eastern side of the island, while the park takes in much of the remote backcountry. The Rakiura Track gives walkers a structured introduction to this landscape: its circuit follows open coastline, crosses the forested interior and reaches the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. Beaches, native forest and sea and forest birds are central to the experience rather than incidental stops. For trip planning, distinguish the island arrival from the walking approach: the ferry reaches Oban, while Lee Bay is a separate access point for the track.
Walking the Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track is a 32 km loop, described as a three-day walk and graded as an intermediate tramping track. Its coastal section from Lee Bay to Port William Hut is 8 km and takes 3 to 4 hours. Beyond Port William, the leg to North Arm Hut is 13 km, with a stated walking time of 6 hours. Those timings make this a walking trip to plan around full days on foot, not just the total distance. Accommodation options include Port William Hut and North Arm Hut, plus designated campsites at Maori Beach, Port William and North Arm. Campsites are not adjacent to the huts, and campers may not use hut facilities. Each campsite has a cooking shelter, water supply and toilet. Camping is allowed only at these designated sites, so choose overnight stops before setting out.
Tides, wildlife and traces of settlement
The Lee Bay approach begins at a chain link sculpture and follows the coast towards Little River, Peter’s Point and Maori Beach. Tides affect the walking choices here. Little River has a bridge, with a beach alternative at low tide. At the southern end of Maori Beach, the creek can be waded at low tide; at high tide, continue along the track to the small footbridge. A larger bridge crosses the tidal stream at the beach’s northern end. Take the bridge options when the beach crossings are unsuitable. Along the route, early Māori settlement sites and sawmilling remains give the walk historical depth, including a rusting steam boiler near Maori Beach. Parts of the circuit cross Māori land by permission of the owners. Listen for Rakiura tokoeka/kiwi calls and watch for footprints without disturbing birds. Dogs are not allowed on the Rakiura Track.
Route options
- Rakiura Track circuit32 km loopIntermediate tramping track
A three-day circuit linking open coast, native forest and the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet, with huts and designated campsites for overnight stays.
- Lee Bay to Port William Hut8 km
A coastal leg taking 3 to 4 hours via Little River, Peter’s Point and Maori Beach. Use the appropriate bridge options for tidal crossings, then continue towards the campsite above Magnetic Beach and the hut beyond.
- Port William Hut to North Arm Hut13 km
A hut-to-hut leg of the Rakiura Track with a stated walking time of 6 hours. Plan this as a substantial day between overnight stops.
Sample itineraries
- Rakiura Track hut circuit · 3 days
Walk the 32 km intermediate loop through coastal forest, the island’s interior and the shores of Paterson Inlet. Plan stays at Port William Hut and North Arm Hut. Lee Bay to Port William is 8 km; Port William to North Arm is 13 km, with six hours listed for that stage.
- Lee Bay coastal day walk · 1 day
Start at Lee Bay’s chain link sculpture and follow the Rakiura Track toward Little River. Use the bridge, explore the coastal forest and return the same way. Choose a turnaround that fits conditions and available daylight rather than committing to the full circuit.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Check forecasts before departure
Plan for both open coastline and forest walking. Carry rain protection and warm layers, and choose daily objectives around the forecast rather than assuming settled conditions.
Summer
Summer tourism season
Summer tourism supports the island’s economy. Confirm accommodation availability before arranging the walk. Coastal sections still call for weather protection; do not treat the season as a guarantee of dry walking.
Fall
Check daylight and forecasts
Allow enough daylight for the forested interior and longer stages. Port William Hut to North Arm Hut has a listed walking time of six hours. Keep warm layers and rain protection accessible.
Winter
Plan around available daylight
Use conservative walking plans for this southern island’s coastal and forest terrain. Check current conditions with the Department of Conservation and carry insulation, waterproof layers and a headlamp.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Check forecasts before departure | Plan for both open coastline and forest walking. Carry rain protection and warm layers, and choose daily objectives around the forecast rather than assuming settled conditions. |
| Summer | Summer tourism season | Summer tourism supports the island’s economy. Confirm accommodation availability before arranging the walk. Coastal sections still call for weather protection; do not treat the season as a guarantee of dry walking. |
| Fall | Check daylight and forecasts | Allow enough daylight for the forested interior and longer stages. Port William Hut to North Arm Hut has a listed walking time of six hours. Keep warm layers and rain protection accessible. |
| Winter | Plan around available daylight | Use conservative walking plans for this southern island’s coastal and forest terrain. Check current conditions with the Department of Conservation and carry insulation, waterproof layers and a headlamp. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements with the Department of Conservation. Camping on the Rakiura Track is allowed only at designated campsites. Campers may not use hut facilities.
Reservations: Rakiura Track bookings are open for the 2026/27 season through the Department of Conservation’s online booking system.
Official source: Rakiura Track - Department of Conservation · Verified October 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Tides affect coastal walking options. At Maori Beach’s southern creek, use the track to the small footbridge at high tide rather than attempting the low-tide wade.
- Open coastline offers less shelter than the forest. Carry weather protection and reassess plans if conditions deteriorate.
- Do not underestimate the walking effort: this is an intermediate tramping track, with a six-hour stage between Port William Hut and North Arm Hut.
What to pack for Rakiura National Park
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm insulating layers
- Walking footwear suited to forest tracks
- Dry spare clothing
- Track map and walking guide
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Water bottles and water treatment
- Food for each walking day
- Sleeping bag
- Cooking equipment
- Tent and sleeping mat if camping
- Waterproof pack liner
Rakiura National Park FAQ
- How do you reach the Rakiura Track?
- Ferries connect Bluff on the South Island with Oban on Stewart Island. Oban to Lee Bay is a 5 km walk with a listed time of 1 hour 30 minutes.
- How difficult is the full circuit?
- The Rakiura Track is a 32 km loop rated as an intermediate tramping track, normally walked over three days. It combines open coastline, forested interior and sheltered shores along Paterson Inlet.
- Where can you camp?
- Designated sites are Maori Beach Campsite, Port William Campsite and North Arm Campsite. They are not adjacent to the huts. Each provides a cooking shelter, water supply and toilet; campers cannot use hut facilities.
- Are dogs allowed?
- Dogs are not allowed on the Rakiura Track.
- What history can you see along the track?
- The route passes early Māori settlement sites and sawmilling relics. Near Maori Beach, a short side track leads to a rusting steam boiler. Parts of the circuit cross Māori land, with access courtesy of the owners.
- Does the national park cover the whole island?
- No. Rakiura National Park covers over 80 percent of Stewart Island, including much of its remote backcountry. Oban is the island’s main settlement and the practical starting point for access to Lee Bay.