Rakiura Track New Zealand |
View other Guided Walks |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rakiura Track Guided Walk - 4 days Invercargill to Invercargill |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Many centuries ago Maori came by canoe to the island to harvest shellfish and mutton birds, traditions still carried out today by local iwi. They named the island Rakiura - 'Land of the Glowing Skies' as it is renowned for its lingering sunsets of summer and the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. The Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The loop track traverses country with a rich diversity of trees, ferns, and perching orchids. Along the way visit many historical sites with the chance to see a variety of sea and forest birds. The circuit follows the coast, climbs over a 300 metre high forested ridge, and skirts the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. Our four day all inclusive guided walk starts in Invercargill with a short flight to Halfmoon Bay and your first night. Next morning we walk through the "chain" around Lee Bay and Maori Beach to Port William Hut for the night. Climbing across the summit ridge we reach the North Arm Hut sited on the shore of Paterson Inlet. The last day takes us around the shores of Paterson Inlet emerging at the sheltered bays of Kidney Fern Arm and Kaipipi Bay, following the former Kaipipi Road back to Halfmoon Bay. Return to Invercargill in the evening. ItineraryDay 1: Invercargill, Halfmoon Bay Fly from Invercargill to Halfmoon Bay. Take a short stroll for a splendid array of native bird life then meet your guide for a home cooked dinner in a local "crib". Day 2 : Halfmoon Bay, Port William Hut Walk 5 hours / 12 km Pass through the chain link official entrance to Rakiura National Park then walk around Lee Bay and Maori Beach to Port William Hut. Day 3 : Port William Hut, North Arm Hut Walk 6 hours / 12 km Climb to the summit ridge through a sequence of rimu, kamahi and rata forests. The lookout tower provides expansive views of Paterson Inlet and beyond to the Tin Range. Descend to the North Arm hut sited on the shore of the inlet. Day 4 : North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay Walk 5 hours / 12 km Walk around the shores of Paterson Inlet emerging at the sheltered bays of Kidney Fern Arm and Kaipipi Bay. Follow the former Kaipipi Road back to Halfmoon Bay. Fly to Invercargill. Many people choose the option to stay an extra night at Halfmoon Bay to enjoy some of the short local walks, visit Ulva Island, sea kayak in Paterson Inlet or browse the local craft stores. General InformationAccommodation Accommodation is based on share twin. That's two singles or one double sharing a room. If you are single and want to stay that way we can arrange single rooms. In Halfmoon Bay we stay in a Southland "crib" or holiday home. All the mod cons....power, hot showers and flush toilets. Linen is provided. On the Rakiura Track we stay at public Department of Conservation Huts. Bunk beds are generally available in the hut and we have a tent if desired. We provide sleeping bags. The huts have no power, toilets are outside and there are no showers .... roughing it as a Kiwi would say. Many people choose the option to stay an extra night at Halfmoon Bay to enjoy some of the short local walks, visit Ulva Island, sea kayak in Paterson Inlet or browse the local craft stores. Weather Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny: Equipment We will provide all camping and cooking equipment, sleeping bags and maps. You provide and carry a pack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance. What to Bring A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. The walking is relatively flat on a mixture of beaches, natural bush tracks and well formed paths. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings during the day and your sleeping bag. Payment 25% deposit is required to confirm a booking. Payment in full is due 30 days before departure. Bookings are essential. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
