The Rakiura Track is a tramping (hiking) track in the 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.
- This article is an itinerary.
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The Rakiura track is 32km long, but the complete route to and from the village of Oban is 39km including sections on the road at either end. Entry to the track is at sea level, and the highest point is approximately 200m.
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.
The track has two huts and three campsites, which must be booked in advance with the Department of Conservation. The huts have bunks and mattresses (24 each), toilets, heating and cold running water. They do not provide cooking facilities, cooking utensils, linen, showers or toilet paper. The campsites have toilets, sinks, cooking shelters and a water supply. You need to take all your sleeping gear, food, cooking and eating gear (eg, portable stove), lighting (torch or candles), rubbish bag and toilet paper. You will also want wet-weather gear and insect repellent.
There are several places to stay in and around Oban before or after the hike; these are best booked in advance.
- 1 Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, 15 Main Road, Stewart Island, ☎+64 3 219 0009, e-mail: stewartisland@doc.govt.nz. M-F 8:30am–4:30pm, Sa-Su 10am–2pm. Department of Conservation (DOC) office in Oban, with a small exhibition and information counter, where you can make late hut bookings.
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