Accommodation | Departure Dates | Getting There | Fitness Level | Prices

Rakiura Track Freedom Plus Itinerary

DAY 1 : Invercargill, 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 / 12km

Southern Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka)

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 / 12km

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, Halfmoon Bay

Walk 6 hours / 12km

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. Stay in Halfmoon Bay

Fly at 5.30pm to Invercargill.(4.30pm on the weekends)

Accommodation

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 !

Departure Dates

From November to April we can offer regular guaranteed departures.

Getting There

Invercargill is 170km from Queenstown, and 190km from Te Anau . Shuttles from Queenstown and Te Anau depart at 7.30am . Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers for you.

Fitness Level

A medium level of fitness is required for Rakiura Track. The walking is generally flat with some small hills to climb. The tracks can be muddy and wet after heavy rain.

Prices

Your Freedom Plus package includes 3 nights accommodation, flights to and from the island, Great Walks pass.
Price per person is NZ$445 including GST. Children 10 to 15 NZ$395. We do not recommend the track for children under 10. Prices are valid to 1 November 2012.