The Rakiura track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is located on Rakiura/Stewart Island. Although it’s a bit of a mission to get to compared with the other Great Walks, you’re rewarded with fresh bush walk and unique wildlife.
Rakiura track info
While the track itself isn’t a complete loop, the roads that link to either end aren’t busy and are walkable. This is what we did – just make sure to factor in the extra time if you’re catching a ferry or flight the same day. There are some accommodation options on the island too, if you’d prefer to start and finish the hike fresh. Check out DOCs website for more track information here.
We hiked the track clockwise but there were also a lot of people doing it in the opposite direction.
Be prepared for mud on the Rakiura!
I’d heard that Rakiura was known for its muddy tracks but our first day had me feeling relieved that the stories were exaggerated. There was some mud, but nothing too bad. However, upon arrival at the first hut, I couldn’t help but notice a lot of mud-coated boots and gaiters. Sure enough, that second day was mostly mud. Talking with others who have walked the track at different times of year, it sounds like mud is guaranteed at any time, so make sure you’re prepared to get dirty. I managed to avoid getting too much mud over the top of my boots, but not without calculated steps and jumps (and luck – most of the others in my group weren’t so lucky).
The Port William Hut is nicely situated. There’s a really nice grass area outside and right over a beach, with another beach just a short walk away. This is the area where we saw deer on more than one occasion, which was a truly awesome experience.
Day three was an early start for us. We booked a ferry the same day, so we needed to make sure we were back at the terminal in time. The sunrise along the coastline was beautiful and made the early rise so worth it.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see any kiwi during our time on the track. Though everyone else I’ve spoken to who’s done it, has. If you’re hoping to see some, make sure you’re prepped with a red light torch. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than we did! If you have a trip planned, let me know what you’re hoping to see!
Check out my other posts on other New Zealand Great Walks! (Coming soon)
