Rakiura

Rakiura, (Stewart Island) is the big island located just south of Te Wai Pounamu, the south island of New Zealand. Almost all of Rakiura is a National Park. Oban (Half Moon Bay) is the only town on the island.

Having only 25km of roads, Rakiura is a paradise for hikers and trampers with about 245km of walking tracks, all of which can be accessed from Oban. The tracks range from un-demanding short walks around the township area to remote-experience tramping tracks that require fitness, stamina, and a large degree of self-reliance. Trampers also need to be prepared for the southern weather which can turn wild, wet and windy any time of year.

TIP: Buy ALL your supplies on the mainland before going as everything is extremely expensive on the island.

Useful Web Sites
 * Dept. of Conservation - Rakiura National Park