Rakiura Track

Understand

The Rakiura track is 32 km (20 mi) long, but the complete route to and from the village of Oban is 39 km (24 mi) including sections on the road at either end. Entry to the track is at sea level, and the highest point is approximately 200 m (660 ft). The track may be walked in either direction and forms a circular route from Oban, where there are ferries and flights from near Invercargill. The track is normally walked in three days, but if you can keep up a good pace, can be done in 2 days or 1 long day in summer. The track is also very suitable for day walks. A water taxi is available from Oban to Port William. This allows either the first day to be done in reverse as a day walk, or the route for days 2 & 3 to be done as a longer day walk. The day 1 route is probably the most interesting to do as a day, as there are good coastal views and some beach sections.

Prepare

You must book huts and campsites in advance through the Department of Conservation. The trail is a backcountry Great Walk requiring a backpack; it is not suitable for carts, strollers, or wheelchairs. Bring wet-weather gear and insect repellent.

Eat There are no shops or restaurants on the route. You must carry all food and a portable cooking stove, as huts do not provide cooking facilities or utensils. You must also pack out all your rubbish.

Drink Cold running water is available at huts and campsites via sinks. While generally drinkable, you may wish to treat it. Carry sufficient water for each day's trek between stops.

Sleep The track has two huts and three campsites which must be booked in advance. Huts provide bunks, mattresses, and heating, but lack lighting and linen. You must carry a sleeping bag, torch, and toilet paper. Campsites offer shelters and sinks for those with their own tents. Accommodation in Oban is available for the nights before or after your hike but should be booked ahead.

Climate Stewart Island's weather is famously unpredictable, often delivering "four seasons in one day." While the track is open year-round, the main season is October to April for milder temperatures (15–18°C) and longer days. Winter is cooler (7–11°C) but often has more settled weather and fewer crowds. Regardless of the season, expect rain and deep mud; high-quality waterproof boots and gaiters are essential equipment.

Get in

See Stewart Island for details of passenger ferries from Bluff and flights from Invercargill. If you don't want to walk between Oban and the track ends, you can arrange a shuttle. See the Outdoor Adventure Shop at 14 Main Rd or Oban Visitor Centre in the Red Shed at 12 Elgin Terr near the wharf.

Walk

The route described here goes anti-clockwise around the track. This means that you have the longest road section of route at the start. The Rakiura Track is not high or alpine, but do not underestimate it: Stewart Island weather changes quickly, and the forest sections can be muddy even when the walking looks straightforward on the map.

From the centre of 1 Oban follow Horseshoe Bay Road up over a small hill to Horseshoe Bay beach. As an alternative there is the Horseshoe Point Track around the coast, but this is a bit of a detour. Walk along or around the beach and take Lee Bay Road at the far end. The road walk is sealed and gives an easy start, but it has enough small climbs and corners that it feels longer with a full pack. The official start of the track is by the beach at 1 Lee Bay. Look for the large chain-link sculpture near the start, which marks the entrance to Rakiura National Park and refers to the Māori tradition of Rakiura as the anchor stone of Māui’s canoe.

From 2 Lee Bay the track follows the coast to Magnetic Bay. Here it turns inland, but 1 Port William Hut is a short diversion to the north at the other end of the beach. There are two parts of this route which use the beach, with inland alternatives at high tide, so it is best to time your walk for low tide. The first kilometre is an easy section, with a couple of wooden benches, to Little River. As a day walk, you could return from here over Garden Mound. The track crosses Little River on a wooden footbridge and follows the beach for about 300 m before a brief climb through forest for 2 km with occasional sea views. At high tide, use the marked inland route rather than trying to force a beach crossing. The track then descends to Maori Beach, one of the most attractive parts of the first day. The beach is backed by forest and has a campsite in a grassy clearing close to the shore. The first part has an inland alternative and the paths rejoin at the campsite. The historic sawmill site, reached from the high-tide route, is a worthwhile 5-minute detour; it recalls the timber milling that once took place here. The track continues along the beach to a suspension bridge over an inlet at the far en

Stay safe

Ensure you follow the precautions outlined on the Department of Conservation brochures and any other information provided to you.

Go next

The North West Circuit Track is a longer, more rugged 10-day hike around Stewart Island, with smaller huts. The first day and last day are the same as for the Rakiura Track. This route can be extended by including the Southern Circuit. Milford Track on the South Island Routeburn Track on the South Island For other tracks, see Tramping in New Zealand.