Transport

Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations. Invercargill is 170km from Queenstown, and 190km from Te Anau. Daily services departing Te Anau are at 7.30am (pick up from 7:15am). Shuttles from Queenstown depart at 7.30am. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers for you. While on the guided walk, your transport from the South Island to Stewart Island will be by light plane.

Food

All meals are included in the price for this hike including dinner on Day 1.

Accommodation

First night, stay at the Victoria Railway Hotel in Invercargill, a restored historic Hotel. At Mason Bay you stay in a campsite alongside the public hut. Bunk beds are generally available in the hut and our camp is well set up with a range of tents, camping chairs and inflatable mattresses. We provide sleeping bags. No power, toilets are outside and there are no showers .... sorry that's the price you pay to see a kiwi in the wild and all of our customers agree it is worth it!
In Halfmoon Bay you usually stay at Rakiura Lodge, a beautiful home with all the mod cons....power, showers and flush toilets. Linen is provided. Carry only your own personal items.

Questions

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 Take" 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 degrees. 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.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs except personal and souvenir items.

Booking Conditions

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:

25% cancellation fee applies if you advise 14 days in advance.
100% cancellation fee applies to all cancellations less than 14 days prior to departure.
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.