Rakiura Track

The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island is New Zealand's southernmost Great Walk, offering a unique coastal forest experience. This circular track takes you through beautiful podocarp forest, along pristine beaches, and past historic sites on remote Stewart Island (Rakiura).

Unlike other Great Walks, Rakiura Track is known for its relatively gentle terrain and abundant birdlife, including the chance to see kiwi in their natural habitat.

• Pristine coastal forests and golden beaches
• Abundant native birdlife including kiwi, weka, and bellbirds
• Historic sawmilling and Maori sites
• Remote wilderness experience on Stewart Island
• Spectacular views across Foveaux Strait
• Two comfortable Great Walks huts

The Rakiura Track requires advance bookings for huts during the Great Walks season (October to April). Places can be hard to get in the peak summer months.

What affects availability

• Getting there: ferry and flight schedules to Stewart Island shape when people can walk
• Weather: changing conditions can lead to cancellations

How alerts work

When someone cancels, the place goes straight back on sale in DOC's booking system with no notice. We check DOC's booking system around the clock and alert you when a spot opens up for the dates you are watching. You then book it directly with DOC.