Rakiura Track, Circular hiking trail in Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Rakiura Track is a circular hiking trail on the northern part of Stewart Island, New Zealand, passing through dense forest, along stretches of coastline, and over muddy ground. The route forms a loop that covers several different natural environments within a single walk.
The Rakiura Track lies within Rakiura National Park, established in 2002 on Stewart Island. The track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, a network of the country's best-known multi-day routes. Its two huts, at Port William and the North Arm of Paterson Inlet, have 24 bunks each; firewood for them is flown in by helicopter because no roads reach the huts.
The track crosses Rakiura National Park, whose name comes from the Māori words for "glowing skies", referring to the aurora australis seen over the island. The route passes the North Arm of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, where the dual Māori and English place names mark the island's heritage. The huts at Port William and North Arm are the stops where walkers spend the night.
Two huts and three campsites are available along the route, and booking in advance is required throughout the year. Spots fill up during busier seasons, so securing accommodation early is a good idea before setting out.
The track has been covered by Google Street View since November 2015, so the route can be previewed online before walking it. The huts at Port William and North Arm have no road access: their firewood is flown in by helicopter, and trampers are not allowed to cut wood.
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