Stewart Island | Rakiura Track New Zealand
And all of the strolls, day walks and overnight adventures in between.
Stewart Island walks are world-class for good reason, boasting miles of stunning vistas, cheeky fauna and rich flora. Whether you’re embarking on the Rakiura Track, looking to amp up the ante with the North West or Southern Circuit, or taking it easy on an afternoon stroll, Stewart Island Helicopters can get you there.
We provide access to most huts on all the Stewart Island tracks, with set rates for the following popular locations and custom rates for other locations as required. Explore Stewart Island walks on our interactive map below, then book in your ride to the wild.
Hut Landings
Big Hellfire Hut
Bungaree
Return flight price: $3200
Bugaree Hut is located on the North West Circuit. This is a standard 16-bunk hut with mattresses, water supply and toilets. We recommend boiling water before use. Bookings are not required, first come first served. The next closest huts are Port Williams or Christmas Village
Christmas Village
Return flight price: $3500
This is a basic 6-bunk hunters hut. This hut must be booked and paid for through the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
East Ruggedy Hut
Long Harry Hut
Lucky Beach
Return flight price: $3500
Lucky is a coastal block in Rakiura National Park. This is a restricted hunting block which can be booked online. There is a campsite with space for two tents, please note there are no huts in this block. Campsite bookings are not required, but hunters will need to book the hunting area.
Mason Bay Homestead
Return flight price: $5000
Mason Bay Hut is located along the 125 km loop of the North West Circuit. You can stay at the Mason Bay Hut, then walk the 15 km to Big Hellfire Hut or 15.5 km to Freshwater Hut . It is a standard 20-bunk hut, bookings not required so first come first served. Find out more here. We do not land at the Mason Bay DOC Hut, we land on Masons Bay or at the Homestead Hunters Hut.
Murray River
Return flight price: $3400
This is a basic 6-bunk hut along the North West Circuit. Bookings required, you can book via the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
Smokey
Return flight price: $4200
Located on the North West Circuit, this is a basic, 6-bed hunters hut. This hut must be booked and paid for through the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
Yankee River
Return flight price: $3700
This is a standard 16-bunk hut. Bookings not required, first come first served. The hut is on the North West Circuit located between Smoky Hunters Hut and Lucky campsite.
Please note, this map provides an indication of where the huts, hunting blocks, and landing points are on Stewart Island. Actual locations may vary slightly.
Local Hikes
Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand’s world-famous ‘Great Walks’, with a moderate and peaceful three-day hike along a 36 km track weaving through open coastlines, rich ridges and wild beaches. At night you’ll be lulled to sleep by the ‘morepork’ call of ruru, the teasing tweet of kiwi and the lapping of waves upon this spectacular natural paradise.
North West Circuit Track
The North West Circuit offers a challenging ten-to-twelve day, 125 km adventure around Rakiura Stewart Island’s northern coast. Sweeping beaches, rocky headlands and stunning scenery are the rewards for the fit and well-equipped. Rakeahua Valley and Doughboy Bay can be added to the North West Circuit.
Southern Circuit Track
The Southern Circuit is another of Rakiura Stewart Island’s more challenging hikes, requiring up to nine days and covering 105 kms. A remote and challenging tramp requiring good fitness, route-finding skills and backcountry experience. Side trips to Mount Rakeahua and Rocky Mountain offer amazing views.
Rakiura Stewart Island day walks
For the more casual strollers among us, there are several easy walking tracks within the vicinity of Oban varying from ten minutes to three hours. Of the short walks, one of the most popular and rewarding is Observation Rock, offering stunning views of Paterson Inlet. Longer walks include Golden Bay to Deep Bay, Ackers Point Track for coastal vistas, Horseshoe Bay Track, Maāori Beach Track and the popular Ryans Creek Track.
Stewart Island hiking safety tips
We’ll get you there in comfort and style, but once you’re in the wild your safety is your responsibility.
- Research your trip well and leave details with a trusted contact before departing.
- Know your own limits and take sufficient food supplies.
- Be aware of the unpredictability of Stewart Island weather.
- For comprehensive descriptions of Stewart Island hiking tracks, and weather forecasts, you are advised to check on current track conditions at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre (Department of Conservation). Safety information can be checked at Adventure Smart.
Make the most of Rakiura while you’re here
Make the most of Rakiura while you’re here
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