Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Just a few minutes beyond the campsite at the beach's northern end you'll find Port Willi-
am Hut (24 bunks). In 1876, the government had grand plans for a settlement here, offering
50 families free land to develop the timber resources and offshore fisheries. The settlement
was a dismal failure, as the utopia the government had hoped to foster was plagued by isola-
tion and loneliness. All that remains of the settlement are the large gum trees next to the hut.
Day 2: Port William to North Arm Hut
6 HOURS, 13KM
It will take around 45 minutes to backtrack to the turn-off on the hill between Port William
and Maori Hill. Here the Rakiura Track departs west (right fork) and heads inland. Say
farewell to the east coast as you make your way through beautiful regenerating podocarp
forest, as well as lush and dense virgin forest. Take a breather at the log haulers, massive
machines that were used to drag forest giants from the depths of the gullies.
The walk settles into a pattern of climbing over a number of hills as it heads south,
passing through a variety of vegetation including previously milled and virgin podocarp
forest.
The track descends to North Arm, an important food-gathering
(mahinga kai)
site for
early Maori, on the shore of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera.
The track leads you to North Arm Hut (24 bunks) and campsite. The hut is nestled above
the shores of
Paterson Inlet
; there are two short trails leading down to the shoreline, where
you can enjoy fine sunsets.
Day 3: North Arm Hut to Oban
4-5 HOURS, 13KM
The track heads south then southeast, sidling around the headland from North Arm.
A moderate and undulating walk takes you through kamahi and rimu with stunning vistas
across the inlet. It then follows the coast down to secluded bays and is interspersed with his-
toric mill sites. Sawdust Bay has tidal mudflats, making it a great spot to watch wading
birds feeding at low tide.
From Sawdust Bay the track swings in a more easterly direction, and after 1km reaches
the shores of
Kidney Fern Arm
. You climb through kamahi and rimu forest over another
peninsula ridge, this time descending to the tidal headwaters of
Kaipipi Bay
, and cross the
sluggish river on the longest bridge of the track. After a short climb you arrive at a marked
