Stewart Island Walks
Walking Stewart IslandSuggested experience
Explore tranquillity, bird song and breathtaking coastline on the 36 km long, three-day stretch of the Rakiurarack. Soak up the wonderful wild beach and go to sleep after walking along the wonderful sandy beach and the local forrest. Two cabins and three camping sites on the route can be booked on the Department of Conservation website.
There are a variety of daily walks starting from Halfmoon Bay if you are looking for something a little bit short. Attempt the 2-hour Fern Drain or 4-hour Horseshoe Point course.
Overview of Stewart Island Track Hiking NZ
This is the best opportunity for most of New Zealand's birds, the kiwis, to see in their habitat. Breath crisp ocean breeze, listen to the sound of birds and savour the loneliness of Stewart Island. Take a lightweight airplane to the island, then go on foot and take a boat taxicab across the island to Halfmoon Bay.
Maori came to the island many hundreds of years ago by boat to collect mussels and sheep, a tradition still cultivated today by the Iwis. The island was called Rakiura - "land of the blazing sky" because it is known for its long lasting dusk in summers and the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.
The Rakiura National Park is New Zealand's fourteenth largest national park, covering much of Stewart Island. This 4.5-day hike leads over Stewart Island. From Invercargill in the south, drive to Mason Bay on the west coast of Stewart Island. Then, on foot and by boat over the island to Halfmoon Bay.
Visiting the breathtaking open shrine of Ulva Island and some quality exploration of Halfmoon Bay before heading back to the continent to Invercargill.
Schoenefeld Stewart Island Track Details | Hiking NZ
Overnight at the historical Victoria Railway Hôtel in Invercargill. Car hire and overweight baggage can be parked in the hotels. The Invercargill is 170 km from Queenstown and 190 km from Te Anau. Departures change with the flood (literally !). Take a lightweight flight from Invercargill to Mason Bay, past Codfish Island, an important kakapo reserve.
We land on Mason Bay Strand, take some free and easy hours to discover this secluded wondrous country and hike to Mason Bay Lodge, which has a overnight "rough" camp along Mason Bay Lodge. The Stewart Island Kiwi, or Tokoeka in Maori, are one-of-a-kind, as they are sometimes seen during the daytime.
It' believed that about a third of New Zealand's kiwis are on Stewart Island, so this is one of the best places to see one in the great outdoors. A light (flat) stroll across the island to Freshwater. Overnight in a classical Southland manger or a cottage with electricity and showers!
Mornings ( (this can change according to prevailing conditions ) we take a stroll to Ackers Point and explore historical monuments on the way to the beacon. We will then go to Ulva Island, an open protected area that plays an important part in the preservation of endangered fishes. That'?s our second one in Halfmoon Bay.
Halfmoon Bay to discover. Take one of the many walks, see a small artisan artisans' shop or simply enjoy the island atmosphere. Afternoons ( (usually the 13:30 flight) you will be flying to Invercargill to complete your trip. One or two additional nights on Stewart Island or back at the Victoria Railway Hotel in Invercargill (own expense).
Stewart Island requires a moderate degree of physical activity. As a rule, the walk is shallow. It is imperative to have a good pair of good hiking or footwear. There are some who find hiking poles useful. Packing and equipment is available for use in the damp, but please inform us in time. The Invercargill is 170 km from Queenstown and 190 km from Te Anau.
You will be transported from the South Island to Stewart Island by airplane during the tour. At Invercargill we overnight at the Victoria Railway Hotel. In Mason Bay we live in a DOC cottage, which is comfortably and neat. You should either choose to live in a bunkbed or rather in tents (yes, we have inflatable beds and hot sacks).
We normally spend the night in Halfmoon Bay at Rakiura Lodge. All of them have specific skills about Stewart Island and are additionally trained in the area' s wildlife, habitat and heritage. Backpacks and rain equipment are also available. How will the wheather be? There are over 250 rainy holidays a year on Stewart Island, but it comes and goes quite fast.
A good lightweight moist finish is recommend. Day temperature in summers is between 10 and 20°C, and the temperature does not get much lower than 5°C at the end of the year. You' re urged to choose your own speed as you walk, there's no need to keep up with the quickest hikers.
When you are not a normal hiker, start a hike 6-8 week before your start. A little backpacking and going up and down during this period will prepare you even better for your hike. Yes, we have sand flies in many parts of Fiordland and Stewart Island.
They are not so terrible in the shrub, and they are no longer a big deal in colder or windier weathers. How can I keep my extra luggage when I go? In general, the hotels/motels where you stay will keep your car during the hike if you stay overnight on your comeback.
Well-maintained walk and lodge are powered by either electricity from sun and/or generators. Exclusion of liability: The organisers retain the right to change, supplement or terminate any trip if the prevailing conditions or another circumstance require it.