Rakiura Track
Photo: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Rakiura Track is a tramping (hiking) track in Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island, off the south of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a loop track that starts and finishes near Oban, Stewart Island's main settlement, and is usually walked in three days.
UnderstandThe Rakiura track is 32 km long, but the complete route to and from the village of Oban is 39 km including sections on the road at either end. Entry to the track is at sea level, and the highest point is approximately .
PrepareYou 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.
Get inSee Stewart Island for details of passenger ferries from Bluff and flights from Invercargill.
WalkThe route described here goes anti-clockwise around the track. This means that you have the longest road section of route at the start.
Stay safeEnsure you follow the precautions outlined on the Department of Conservation brochures and any other information provided to you.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Rakiura Track" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: AlasdairW, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons