Rakiura Track - Lee Bay

Haven’t done any other great walks but I really enjoyed this one. You can really feel most of this island is untouched and nature rules over anything else. Beautiful beaches, nice up and down tracks, suitable for everyone that is willing to do 32 km in 3 days (not that much). 2nd day you walk completely in the forest, was quite muddy but fun. people who complain about the mud have never been outdoor in the nature, it’s just mud. We also were lucky enough to see a kiwibird. Port William hut was ok, don’t understand why living room and dorms are not connected by a door so that the warm air of the firewood warms up the bed, but great location on the beach. North Arm Hut is simply amazing, a lot of natural light, spacious and comfy.

I just did the bit from Lee Bay to Māori Beach and back out, not the whole track. Was probably lucky I went in a dry season (late january) so there was almost no mud the other reviewers are commenting about and my trail runners fared pretty well. I loved the beaches, they look like paradise and reminded me a lot of Abel Tasman. The terrain is undulating but nothing too hard. Some of the track is split into high tide and low tide options, I managed to try both options because the tide retreated when I was coming out. It was perfect for me. It’s easy to find with the signposts and maps provided. You will see one end of the ‘chain’ here (other end is at Bluff) linking the history and culture of both places together. Pretty cool!

At this bridge shortly after you set off, the track separates into a high tide route and one that follows closely the beach if tide allows. Plan your walk during low tide hours. This will not only save you some muddy climbs but also you will get to walk on more beautiful beaches.

MAKE SURE to check for free gas canisters at either Stewart Island Backpackers or the DOC Visitor Centre!! Had to headline that so hopefully people don’t make the same mistake as us (and many others) and buy gas after getting off the plane/boat! Check at those places first as they will most definitely have free gas. The walk is spectacular. Really feels like you’re stepping back in time, to a version of NZ not yet discovered by humans. We went early Feb and were pretty unlucky with weather - lots of rain meant lots of mud! But easy enough to pick your way across. Would definitely recommend bringing walking poles for those sections. Campsites were great with spacious sites and well-maintained cooking shelters. Sadly we weren’t lucky enough to see a kiwi, but we heard them calling a lot during the night and everyone else we met on the walk saw them! The trick is to stay up late rather than set an alarm and try to get up early - we went to do this and it was chucking it down again by the time our alarm went off. If you have an opportunity and the weather is alright then just go for it. It switches up so fast on Stewart Island! We walked the extra 5k from Oban to the start of the track, but taxis are available for those who understandably don’t want the extra miles. You can also take a water taxi to some of the bays and just do sections of the walk eg. Taxi to Port William & do the 4 hour walk back to Lee Bay (start of the track)

Loved this walk. I've never seen such magnificent trees. Even the mud was fun. Easy days, nice Hutts, bits of history here and there, hearing kiwis at night and seeing fawns on the lawn. A very cool place.

There are some nice parts but ultimately calling this one of the Great Walks is a bit of a con. The track is poorly maintained with large patches of mud that really should be mitigated with better build, boardwalks etc. The best part is Oban to North Arm hut. Day 2 was the worst and actually quite boring, just waking (mud plugging) in forest that isn't particularly special. Not many birds, there were more in Oban. We weren't lucky enough to see any kiwi but you might be. Some people we met in the huts did

Spectacular. Not to be missed. Trees rule and birds sing. Great coastline . Short cuts along the coast. Bit of mud around but every bend in the track has a wow. One family walked in from Oban but faster to be dropped off. Remember it can turn cold at any time of year.

Its beautiful track and if you are in good condition you can make it in one day (without stopping, lunch break,..etc..) its about 7.5 hours for very fit hiker. In some sections get quite muddy, especial after rain so prepare good boots..