Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
B1
Activities
Rakiura National Park protects 85% of the island, making it a mecca for trampers and
bird-watchers. There are plenty of tracks on which to explore the wilderness, ranging from
short, easy trails readily accessible on foot from Oban, to the epic North West Circuit, one
of NZ's most legendary backcountry tramps.
Numerous operators offer guided tours: walking, driving, boating and by air, most fo-
cusing on wildlife with history slotted in. Independent walkers have plenty to choose
from; visit Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre for details on local tramps, long and
short, and huts along the way. The trails in DOC's
Stewart Island/Rakiura Short Walks
pamphlet ($2) would keep you busy for several days, and a bit less if you hire a bike from
the Red Shed to fast-track the road sections. Longer tramps can also be shortened and in-
deed enhanced via an air hop with
Rakiura Helicopters
( 03-219 1155;
www.rakiurahelicopters.co.nz
)
,
or Stewart Island Flights (
Click here
)
, which works with Rakiura Charters to offer the ful-
filling day-long or overnight
Coast to Coast
cross-island hike. Both air operators offer scenic
flights.
If you haven't ever sea-fished, or just fancy it, this is the place, for NZ boasts no better
fishers. Oh, and the answer to the question of swimming is definitely yes: yes, it is pos-
sible, and yes, you will probably freeze your nuts off.
Day Walks
Observation Rock
This short but quite sharp 15-minute climb reaches the Observation Rock lookout where
there are panoramic views of Paterson Inlet, Mount Anglem and Mount Rakeahua. The
trail is clearly marked from the end of Leonard Rd, off Ayr St.
WALKING
Ackers Point
This three-hour return walk features an amble around the bay to a bushy track passing the
historic
Stone House
(built 1835) at
Harrald Bay
before reaching
Ackers Point Lighthouse
where
WALKING
