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Rakiura Track

Splendid isolation results in splendid views at Rakiura National Park. - click for more.
The skies seem bigger in Rakiura National Park.
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The Rakiura Track showcases New Zealand's newest national park – Rakiura National Park, which occupies most of Stewart Island.

A quick glance at a map of New Zealand reveals that Stewart Island lies at the bottom of the South Island. The island, which is accessible by ferry and air services, is remarkable for its almost complete cover of vegetation – from the surf-pounded coast all the way up to Mount Anglem/Hananui, which is 980 metres above sea level.

Walking the Rakiura Track is an achievable goal for anybody who's moderately fit. The entire circuit is 36 kilometres long and can be walked at any time of the year, although winter will require plenty of warm clothing. Most people take three days to complete the circuit. Department of Conservation huts provide accommodation along the way.

Rakiura is a Maori word that means 'land of the glowing skies'. It's thought that the name refers to the glorious sunrises, fabulous sunsets or the night time glow of the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights) – take your pick.

The Rakiura Track travels through rimu and kamahi forest with a rich diversity of tree ferns, ground ferns and perching orchids. Rata becomes more common at higher altitudes. The track includes the shores of Paterson Inlet, a large harbour that's beautifully free of sediment because of the unbroken vegetation cover. Here you can spot wading birds, including the New Zealand dotterel, oyster catchers, herons and godwits.

Around the coast you'll probably see muttonbirds (sooty shearwaters), shags, Buller's mollymawks, cape pigeons and little blue penguins. Bellbirds, tui, fantails, parakeets, shining cuckoos and wood pigeons live in the forest.
 

 
SOUTHLAND Region


CONTACT DETAILS

Contact: Stewart Island i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 2191 400
Fax: +64 3 2191 401
Postal: PO Box 130 Stewart Island 9846
Website: www.stewartisland.co.nz

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Stewart Island is the closest town to this highlight.

In Stewart Island:

Other towns near Stewart Island by ferry and road:

Other towns near Stewart Island by air:

Stewart Island does not have scheduled passenger air services.

The nearest airport is in Invercargill (85 minutes)

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