Stewart Island Track

Stewart Island offers the best chance most people will ever have to see New Zealand's national bird, the Kiwi, in its natural environment. Starting in Riverton we travel by light plane to Mason Bay on the West Coast of Stewart Island. Over the next four days we will walk, water taxi and sea kayak our way across the Island to Halfmoon Bay. Here we have a chance to meet a few of the locals before completing our journey back to Riverton.

Day 1. Arrive in Riverton - meet group
Shuttles are available from Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill. Meet your guide in the evening for a meal and discuss the days ahead. Stay in the Riverton Rock Guesthouse, a restored historic guesthouse in the sleepy fishing town of Riverton. Rental cars and any excess luggage can be left in Riverton or forwarded to the end of your journey at Invercargill.

Day 2. Riverton to Mason Bay - Walk 4 hours/10km
In the morning take a short walk to Riverton Airport - the beach. The flight is just twenty minutes by small plane to Mason Bay passing Codfish Island, an important Kakapo sanctuary. Landing at the southern end of Mason Bay beach, take some time to explore The Gutter, a staging post for early Maori in their travels to the Mutton Bird Islands. Next, walk along this sweeping beach to the Mason Bay campsite, your one night of "roughing it".

This evening you can attempt to spot one of the local residents, a kiwi. Stewart Island kiwi, or Tokoeka in Maori, are unique in that they are sometimes seen during the day so if you do miss out under the stars there is always tomorrow!

Day 3. Mason Bay, Freshwater to Halfmoon Bay - Walk 4 hours/14km
An easy (flat) walk across the island to Freshwater. Massive sand dunes, head high tussock and manuka trees house many native birds, including kiwis and robins.

At Freshwater Landing meet the water taxi for a half-hour ride down Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet to Halfmoon Bay. Tonight stay in a classic Southland "crib" or holiday home with power and a shower! Dinner is generally fresh Salmon caught that day.

Day 4. Paterson Inlet, Ulva Island - Sea kayak 3 hours, walk 3 hours
Today you will explore Paterson Inlet by sea kayak, water taxi and on foot. In the morning (weather dependent) take to a sea kayak. After a thorough briefing from your sea kayak guide you will paddle around the coastline, exploring a few of the inner harbours with the chance to see seals, shags and little blue penguins.

Next, visit Ulva Island, an open sanctuary playing an important role in the conservation of threatened species. Birds you may see include the weka, kaka, kakariki, kukupa, mohua and tieke. Spend a second night in Halfmoon Bay.

Day 5. Halfmoon Bay to Invercargill
Time to explore Halfmoon Bay. Try one of many short walks, visit a local craft gallery, or just soak up the island ambience. In the afternoon (generally the 1:30pm flight) fly to Invercargill for the completion of your journey. You can choose to stay an extra night or two on Stewart Island or back at The Riverton Rock Guesthouse.

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hours physical activity per day.
At times carrying medium sized backpack of 6-10kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

A medium level of fitness is required for Stewart Island. The walking is generally flat. The tracks can be muddy and wet at times. The sea kayaking is in protected waters and no previous experience is required.

Your guides are dedicated to your safety and satisfaction. They each have a special knowledge of Stewart Island and receive additional training on the local flora, fauna and history.

Essential Items

Pair of shorts or trousers

Thick woollen or fleece top

Thermal long johns and shirt

Socks, underwear and handkerchief

Small towel or flannel

Warm hat and light gloves

Waterproof coat with hood

Favourite boots or walking shoes

Pair of light shoes or sandals

Pack with waterproof liner

Small personal torch

Water bottle

Personal medicine

Toilet bag

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Camera and film/memory cards.

All camping, cooking and kayaking equipment, sleeping bags and maps will be provided. You may borrow a pack if required but please do let us know in advance.

Riverton is 180km from Queenstown, 37km from Invercargill and 130km from Te Anau on the Southern Scenic Route. Scenic Shuttle operates a daily service departing Invercargill 2pm (pick up from 1:30pm) and Te Anau 8:15am (pick up from 7:45am) which is included in the package. Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 9am and connect via Invercargill. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations.

All meals are included in the price for this hike.

Accommodation is based on share twin with the first night at The Riverton Rock Guesthouse. This is a restored historic hotel with a variety of feature rooms. At Mason Bay one night is spent in the historic Island Hill Homestead. Warm, comfortable, but “back country” with a coal range, wet back and outside toilet. Sleeping bags are provided. At Halfmoon Bay two nights are spent in a Southland “crib” or private holiday home. Linen is provided.

What is included?
All meals, accommodation, transfers, hut and guiding fees, camping and cooking equipment and maps. All linen is provided. Packs and wet weather gear is also available.

What do we need to take?
You will carry your own personal belongings. The rest is provided or carried ahead. Check the "What to Bring" information.

What is the weather going to be like?
Stewart Island has over 250 days a year when it rains but it comes and goes pretty quick. Good light wet weather gear is recommended. Be prepared for anything. In summer, daytime temperatures will range from about 10 to 20 degrees Celsius and night time wont get much colder than 5. Evenings can be a little cooler but all many of the huts and lodges have heating.

Will I be fit enough?
You will enjoy your hike a lot more if you are well prepared. You need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack for 4-8 hours over 10-21km each day. You are encouraged to set your own pace while walking the track, there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. The track surfaces vary from beaches, natural tracks, boardwalk, old tramlines and rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots. Hiking boots are recommended and will provide firm ankle support on the more challenging tracks. If you are not a regular walker, begin a daily walk regime at east 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some practice carrying a pack and uphill and downhill walking during this time will make you even better prepared for your walk.

Do I need any sea kayak experience for the Stewart Island Track?
The sea kayaking is in sheltered waters in stable double sea kayaks with a certified sea kayak guide and no prior experience is required.

I've heard about "sandflies"?
Yes we do have sandflies in many parts of Fiordland and Stewart Island. In the bush they are not so bad, and in cold or windy weather they are not a problem. However, insect repellent is recommended.

Where can I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?
Generally you will be able to leave any excess luggage in safe keeping at the beginning of your trip at the hotels/motels where you are staying. If you do not finish where you start luggage forwarding can be arranged.

Is there somewhere secure to leave our vehicle?
Generally the hotels/motels where you are staying will store you vehicle while you are walking if you are staying on your return. Please confirm this with your accommodation. Never leave valuables (passport, cameras, etc.) in your vehicle.

What about our rental car/campervan?
If you would like to return your vehicle a shuttle can be arranged from the nearest depot. Sometimes on long term rental packages it is just as cheap to "hang on" to it and store it at your accommodation.

Can I have a shower on the trail?
In most cases yes.

Can I wash my clothes?
In some cases. Many of lodges have hand washing facilities with soap powder and drying rooms. Public DOC huts generally have a limited water supply and no separate basins.

I am a dairy intolerant vegan. Is this a problem?
Special dietary requirements are happily catered for. Please do let us know preferences.

Is it OK to travel by myself?
No problem. The groups are small and by the end of the trip you will all be on first name basis.

Are there toilets on the tracks?
Many of the shelters along the tracks have toilets. Most of the lodges have flush toilets.

Is there electricity in the huts?
Guided Walk lodges are run on solar and or generator power. Public DOC huts have no power. You should bring your own small torch or headlamp.

There are no additional costs except personal and souvenir items.

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
No cancellation fee applies if you advise 7 days in advance.
50% cancellation fee applies otherwise.
No refund on any portion can be made after departure of the trip.

Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

Disclaimer:
The operators reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour, should weather or any other situation demand.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.