Rakiura Track Freedom Plus Walk |
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4 days Invercargill to Invercargill |
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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. ItineraryDay 1: Invercargill to Halfmoon Bay Fly from Invercargill to Halfmoon Bay at 8am, 1pm or 5pm. Stay at Stewart Island Backpackers. Shuttles available from Queenstown and Te Anau (7.30am). Day 2 : Halfmoon Bay, Port William Hut Walk 5 hours / 12 km This morning you walk through the "chain" link official entrance to Rakiura National Park, then walk around around Lee Bay and Maori Beach to Port William Hut for the night. Day 3 : Port William Hut to 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 at 5:30pm (4:30pm on weekends). General InformationAccommodation Accommodation in Halfmoon Bay is based on share twin at Stewart Island Backpackers. On the trail you stay in public DOC huts in bunk rooms. You will need to carry your own sleeping bag, cooking and eating equipment, food and personal belongings. No power, toilets are outside and there are no showers .... classic kiwi tramping stuff ! 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: What to Bring Depends on what you pack :) First thing is make sure you have well worn good fitting boots or tramping shoes. Too easy. Second thing is to add some things to the list below. So here is a suggested list of what to bring;
Payment Full payment is required to confirm a booking. Cancellation fees apply. Bookings are essential. |
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