"Picture yourself in the Southern most island of New Zealand wandering under a stadium of stars to try your luck at native kiwi spotting."

Stewart Island offers the best chance most people will ever have to see New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, in its natural environment. Rest assured not many New Zealanders can make that claim.

Many centuries ago Maori came by canoe to the island to harvest shellfish and mutton birds, traditions still carried out today by local iwi. They named the island Rakiura - 'Land of the Glowing Skies' as it is renowned for lingering summer sunsets and the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

Our five day guided walk takes a nice loop across Stewart Island. Starting in the southern town of Invercargill we travel to Mason Bay on the West Coast of Stewart Island. Then walk and water taxi our way across the island to Oban. A visit to the stunning open sanctuary Ulva Island and some time to explore Oban before flying back to the mainland at Invercargill.

Departure Dates

From October to April we have regular departures. Other departures are available on request. Minimum of 3 people to operate a trip. $950 surcharge for booking of 2 people which will be refunded if trip numbers go above 3 people.

The dates listed below are "Day 1" or the first night in Invercargill. We depart first thing on "Day 2" although it is tide dependent.

Prices

Your guided walk package starts and finishes in Invercargill. It includes 4 nights accommodation, all meals and snacks, flights to and from the island, water taxis, concession and guiding fees, Stewart Island visitor levy, all equipment and maps. The trips are usually 3 to 5 people with a maximum of 8.

Prices are person including GST.

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Children 10 to 15 subtract NZ$150. We do not recommend the track for children under 10. Prices are valid to 31 April 2026. Please check our booking conditions.

Further Information

Accommodation

Accommodation is based on share twin. That's two singles or one double sharing a room. If you are single and want to stay that way we can arrange single rooms.

In Invercargill we stay at the Victoria Railway Hotel a restored historic guesthouse in the centre of Invercargill.

At Mason Bay we 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 we stay at a holiday hone or "crib" with all the mod cons....power, showers and flush toilets. Linen is provided. Carry only your own personal items.

Getting There

Invercargill is 170km from Queenstown, and 190km from Te Anau. Scenic Shuttle operates a daily service departing Te Anau 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.

Fitness Level

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

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny:

Equipment

We will provide all camping, cooking and kayaking equipment, sleeping bags and maps. You provide and carry a pack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance.

What to Bring

A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. The walking is relatively flat on a mixture of beaches, natural bush tracks and well formed paths. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings during the day.

For our comprehensive list of things to bring click here.

Many centuries ago Maori came by canoe to the island to harvest shellfish and mutton birds, traditions still carried out today by local iwi. They named the island Rakiura - 'Land of the Glowing Skies' as it is renowned for its lingering sunsets of summer and the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

The Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The loop track traverses country with a rich diversity of trees, ferns, and perching orchids. Along the way visit many historical sites with the chance to see a variety of sea and forest birds. The circuit follows the coast, climbs over a 300 metre high forested ridge, and skirts the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet.

Our four day all inclusive guided walk starts in Invercargill with a short flight to Halfmoon Bay and your first night. Next morning we walk through the "chain" around Lee Bay and Maori Beach to Port William Hut for the night. Climbing across the summit ridge we reach the North Arm Hut sited on the shore of Paterson Inlet.

The last day takes us around the shores of Paterson Inlet emerging at the sheltered bays of Kidney Fern Arm and Kaipipi Bay, following the former Kaipipi Road back to Halfmoon Bay. Return to Invercargill in the evening.

Departure Dates

From October to April we have regular departures. Other departures are available on request with a minimum of three people or for less than three a surcharge applies. Yes we do operate during the winter... it is actually a great time to be on Stewart Island. The dates listed below are "Day 1" or the first night in Halfmoon Bay. We depart on our hike first thing on "Day 2".

Prices

The package includes 3 nights accommodation, guiding and concession fees, all meals, flights to and from Stewart Island (departing Invercargill), hut fees, Stewart Island visitor levy, all equipment and maps.

Prices are person including GST.

Bookings subject to availability. The trips are usually 3 - 5 people with a maximum of 12. Prices are valid to 31 April 2026. Please check our booking conditions.

Further Information

Accommodation

Accommodation is based on share twin. That's two singles or one double sharing a room. If you are single and want to stay that way we can arrange single rooms.

In Oban we stay in a Southland "crib" or holiday home. All the mod cons....power, hot showers and flush toilets. Linen is provided.

On the Rakiura Track we stay at public Department of Conservation Huts. Bunk beds are generally available in the hut and we have a tent if desired. We provide sleeping bags. The huts have no power, toilets are outside and there are no showers .... roughing it as a Kiwi would say.

Many people choose the option to stay an extra night at Halfmoon Bay to enjoy some of the short local walks, visit Ulva Island, sea kayak in Paterson Inlet or browse the local craft stores.

Getting There

Invercargill is 180km from Queenstown, and 200km from Te Anau on the Southern Scenic Route. Tracknet Shuttles operate a daily service departing Queenstown 7.30am and Te Anau 8:15am.

There are typically 3 flights a day (8.00am, 1.00pm, 5.00pm) from Invercargill Airport to Stewart Island. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations.

Fitness Level

A medium level of fitness is required for the Rakiura Track. The walking is a mixture of undulating with several serious up and downs on Day 2 across the island. The tracks can be very muddy, slippery and wet.

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny.

Equipment

We will provide all camping and cooking equipment, sleeping bags and maps. You provide and carry a pack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance.

What to Bring

A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. The walking is undulating on a mixture of beaches, natural bush tracks and formed tracks. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings , your sleeping bag, water and lunch during the day.

For our comprehensive list of things to bring click here.

Coastal tracks provided access for early Maori on their way to find pounamo (greenstone) and the track today follows a similar path. The Waitutu Track is a four day all inclusive guided walk starting in Tuatapere.

The Wairaurahiri River winds its way down from Lake Hauroko, where the remains of a Maori princess are said to rest in the clefts of a rock, to the South Coast. Here you explore the stunning Waitutu Forest, the largest piece of untouched native bush in New Zealand, from the comfort of the Waitutu Bush Lodge.

Walking along the old forest tramline connected by a spectacular array of wooden viaducts, the next day takes us to Port Craig Village, once the site of New Zealand's most modern sawmill.

The final leg of the itinerary takes us around Te Waewaea Bay on the south coast track. Through bush and a long beach we reach the end of the road and a shuttle back to Tuatapere and civilisation.

After a good days walking recharge your batteries in our premium rooms at Port Craig and Waitutu Lodge, hot showers, clean sheets and sumptuous meals... those creature comforts you needn't miss.

Features of the Waitutu Track:

• Follow the old south coast track forged long ago by early Maori
• Walk through native bush and along southern ocean beaches
• Across four giant wooden viaducts testament to an era past
• David Bellamy called the Waitutu the most important forest in the world
• A moderate level of fitness is required

Departure Dates

From October to April we have departures available on request subject to availability. Minimum of 3 people to operate a trip.

Prices

Your Guided Walk package includes 3 nights accommodation in a premium room, hot showers, sumptuous meals, jet boat, hut and guiding fees, all equipment and maps. The trips are usually 3 - 5 people with a maximum of six.

Stay in modern bush lodges and jet boat New Zealand's "longest waterfall" from the southern ocean into the heart of Fiordland when you take a guided walk with Kiwi Wilderness Walks on the Waitutu Track.

Price available on application.

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Prices are ex Tuatapere. Children 10 to 15 subtract NZ$150. We do not recommend the track for children under 10. Please check our booking conditions.

Further Information

Accommodation

Accommodation is based on share twin. That's two singles or one double sharing a room. If you are single and want to stay that way we can arrange single rooms.

In Tuatapere we stay at the Waiau Hotel with twin share and double rooms with ensuite.

Port Craig Village and Waitutu Lodge are modern back country huts featuring gas heating and cooking, solar lighting, flush toilets and drying rooms.

All crockery and cooking equipment are provided and your track guide will even cook you porridge for breakfast! Rooms at are twin single or double with shared toilet facilities. Sorry only twin single rooms are available at Waitutu Lodge. Hot showers are available. All linen is provided. Carry only your own personal items.

A self contained cabin with ensuite and kitchen are available at Port Craig Village as an upgrade option.

Getting There

Tuatapere is 195km from Queenstown, 100km from Te Anau and 86km from Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route.

There is a public transprot services available from Te Anau on irregular days and we can arrange transport to and from Invercargill. Shuttles to and from Tuatapere are not included in the package. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers for you.

Fitness Level

A moderate level of fitness is required. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to walk for 6 – 8 hours over 11 – 16km ( 7 - 10 miles ) each day. We do not go up any serious hills or passes. The track is a mixture of natural tracks, beach and remains of the old tramline. The track can be wet and muddy at times. Track transport is included and helps reduce the walking distance.

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny.

Equipment

We will provide all food, snacks, cooking and kitchen equipment, linen and maps. You provide and carry a backpack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance.

What to Bring

A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. The walking is relatively flat on a mixture of beaches, natural bush tracks and well formed paths. It can be wet and muddy after heavy rain and some people like to use gaiters. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings during the day. For our comprehensive list of things to bring click here.

The pinnacle of New Zealand's alpine walking tracks; the Dusky Track offers an opportunity for fit experienced trampers to explore Fiordland back country wilderness at it's rawest.

Here is an opportunity to explore one of New Zealand's most daunting tracks the Dusky Track. This is not for the faint hearted. One trip we had half a metre of rain and got stuck in the Loch Maree Hut for two days when the lake level rose 4 metres over night. We hit snow on the tops and then had a near vertical descent clambering down rocks and tree roots hand over hand for four hours… in the pouring rain. These kind of experiences reinforce the raw nature of the Fiordland wilderness.

The trip starts in Tuatapere. We boat across Lake Hauroko the deepest Lake in New Zealand, passing the remains of a Maori princess called the Princess of the Lake resting in the cleft of a rock on Mary Island.

The track then proceeds up the Hauroko Burn to the Lake Roe Hut set beautifully amongst massive granite outcrops, travels along the tops of the Pleasant Range with spectacular views of Dusky Sound and the surrounding mountains before descending steeply to Loch Maree.

The last section travels along the Seaforth River to Supper Cove in Dusky Sound. Settlers here used to cover themselves in kerosene to escape the wrath of Fiordland's biggest sandflies. Returning by helicopter Fto civilisation and a good hot bath. Believe me, you will have earned it.

A very high level of fitness is required.

Departure Dates

Departures for the Dusky Track are on demand with a minimum of three and maximum of six people. It is wise to have a spare day (or 2) and travel insurance in case of inclement weather and delay.

Prices

Your Guided Walk package includes 5 nights accommodation on the trail in public DoC huts, all meals, helicopter ride from Tuatapere to Supper Cove across the Southern Alps, boat trip across Lake Hauroko from the end of the track, concession and guiding fees, all equipment and maps.

Price available on request.

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We do not recommend the track for children under 15. Please check our booking conditions.

Further Information

Accommodation

On the trail we stay in public DOC huts. These range from 10 to 12 person huts with open design bunks. They have a fire, running cold water and outside toilets.

You will be asked to carry your own sleeping bags, we have some light weight versions available for loan. We have supply drops at a hut along the way but you may be asked to assist with carrying some light food supplies and your own eating equipment.

All crockery and cooking equipment are provided.

Getting There

Te Anau has daily shuttle services from Queenstown and Invercargill. We are happy to help with transport arrangements.

On the completion of your walk we can arrange a same day shuttle to Te Anau and Queenstown. If you require transport to Invercargill you will need to stay an extra night in Tuatapere with Scenic Shuttles departing at 9.00am.

Shuttles to and from Te Anau are not included in the package. Feel free to contact us to help arrange transfers from other locations.

Fitness Level

A high level of fitness is required. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to walk for 6 – 8 hours over 11 – 16km ( 7 - 10 miles ) each day. We go up and down some serious hills and over high passes. The track can be very wet and very muddy at times. At other times it is just wet and muddy.

Weather

Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny.

Equipment

We will provide all food, snacks, cooking and kitchen equipment and maps. You provide and carry a backpack, personal and hiking equipment. We have packs and wet weather gear available if required but please advise in advance.

What to Bring

A good pair of comfortable walking boots is essential. The walking is a mixture of bush walking, alpine walking, steep descent, mud and quite possibly wading rivers. Some people like to use gaiters and or walking sticks. You will need to carry only your own personal belongings, your sleeping bag and eating utensils during the day. For our comprehensive list of things to bring click here.