Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Stewart Island/Rakiura's Southern Circuit Track is a remote, challenging tramp and requires good fitness, route-finding skills and backcountry experience.

This DOC directory entry covers Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura in Southland, within Rakiura National Park / Stewart Island/Rakiura. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 71.5 km loop
• Walking time: 4 - 6 days round trip from Freshwater landing
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Track description

The track traverses the low-lying Freshwater and Rakeahua Valleys, then heads across to Doughboy and Mason Bay.

The easiest way to start and finish the Southern Circuit is to arrange a water-taxi pick-up or drop-off at Freshwater Landing, Freds Camp or Rakeahua Hut. This allows you to avoid some of the sections most prone to flooding. You can also walk the circuit to and from Halfmoon Bay/Oban but need to allow another 2–4 days to complete it.

During heavy rain flooding is likely in low lying areas. Caution is required especially in the Rakeahua and Freshwater valleys.

Halfmoon Bay to North Arm Hut

Time: 5 hrDistance: 12 km

From Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, turn left and follow Main Road. Turn right along Kaipipi Road until reaching the sign marking the start of Ryan's Creek, Fern Gully, Kaipipi Bay and North Arm tracks. Continue until just before Kaipipi Bay. The track to North Arm is signposted on the right.

North Arm Hut

North Arm to Freshwater Hut

Time: 6–7 hrDistance: 11 km

This section of track is steep and often slippery, crossing over Thompson Ridge. During periods of heavy rain, some creeks on this track may become impassable. A bridge shown on topo maps at the northern end of North Arm before the climb over Thompson ridge has since been removed.

Freshwater Hut

Freshwater Hut to Freds Camp Hut

Time: 5 hrDistance: 10 km

The track starts directly opposite Freshwater Hut and travels down the swampy Freshwater valley to Tolson River – this area is prone to flooding. After crossing the river by swing bridge the track enters the forest, traversing undulating country to Freds Camp Hut (10 bunks).

Freds Camp Hut

Freds Camp Hut to Rakeahua Hut

Time: 5 hrDistance: 12 km

The track follows close to the shore of Paterson Inlet’s South West Arm and then the banks of the Rakeahua River. Rakeahua Hut is about 3 km upstream from the mouth. Note: After heavy rain or during extreme high tide the area near Rakeahua hut is prone to flooding.

Rakeahua Hut

Side trip: Mt Rakeahua

Time: 5 hr returnDistance: 9 kmCategory: Expert route

The track climbs through forest and subalpine scrubland to a rocky summit with great views. The track is marked by poles above the bush line.

Rakeahua Hut to Doughboy Bay Hut

Time: 8 hrDistance: 16 km

The track climbs gradually up the Rakeahua valley – after heavy rain the early part of this track becomes waist deep in water. The track continues through forest, semi-open scrubland and bog fields, then steeply descends into Doughboy Bay. A hut is at the north end of the beach.

Doughboy Bay Hut

Doughboy Bay Hut to Mason Bay Hut

Time: 6 - 7 hrDistance: 18 km

The track climbs steeply up Adams Hill and across the swampy summit before descending through forest to Cavalier Creek on Mason Bay. Walk north along the beach to Duck Creek. The track to Mason Bay Hut is marked by buoys attached to a pole.

Mason Bay Hut

Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut

Time: 3–4 hrDistance: 15.5 km

Follow the track to the Island Hill homestead and then over flat tussock and mānuka country to Freshwater River and Freshwater Hut. Note: This track is often flooded during or after periods of heavy rain.

Freshwater Hut

Side trip: Rocky Mountain Track

Time: 3 hr returnDistance: 5 km

A climb from behind the Freshwater Hut, through forest and subalpine scrubland to rock outcrops, gives panoramic views over the Freshwater Flats and Paterson inlet.

Freshwater Hut to North Arm Hut

Time: 6–7 hrDistance: 11 km

This section of track is steep and often slippery. It crosses over Thompson Ridge to the North Arm of Paterson Inlet. North Arm has a Great Walk hut and campsite. During periods of heavy rain, some creeks on this track may become impassable. A bridge shown on topo maps at the northern end of North Arm just after the descent from Thompson ridge has since been removed.

• North Arm Hut

• North Arm Campsite

North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay

Time: 5 hrDistance: 12 km

The track traverses above North Arm to Sawdust Bay. From the former sawmill site the track cuts across a low headland to reach Kidney Fern Arm in Prices Inlet, and continues through forest for another hour before emerging at Kaipipi Bay. From there it follows the former Kaipipi Road to Halfmoon Bay.

Know before you go

What to expect

Track surfaces are varied and involve long sections of mud that can be knee-deep and thick, regardless of the season. Some sections of track are prone to flooding.

Keep to the tracks as valleys are steep and the bush is dense.

Beach access can be difficult when tides are high and seas are rough – if necessary, wait for low tide.

You may be delayed by weather, tides, or flooding in swampy areas that makes the track impassable. Pack spare food and an emergency shelter in case of delays.

Radios are not provided in any of the huts. Cell phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.

Taking a personal locator beacon and/or mountain radio is strongly recommended.

Weather

Stewart Island’s weather is extremely changeable and difficult to predict. Strong winds, hail and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Snow can occur above the bush line on any part of the Northwest Circuit, including side trips.

Check the Rakiura National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.

Earthquakes and associated tsunamis are a possibility.

Obtain an up-to-date weather forecast before starting the track and be well equipped for extreme weather conditions. Remember, exposure and hypothermia can affect anyone and can kill.

Huts and hut tickets

None of the huts have gas cooking facilities, lighting, power or toilet paper.

All backcountry huts on the Southern and North West Circuit Tracks require Backcountry Hut Tickets or an Backcountry Hut Pass. Read more about Backcountry Hut Tickets and Passes

Trampers planning on staying at any of the Great Walk huts and campsites (Port William Hut/Campsite, North Arm Hut/Campsite and Maori Beach Campsite) while walking the North West Circuit Track must make a booking prior to departure.

What to take

The following gear is essential, no matter how warm it is on the day of departure. Remember to pack everything in your pack inside a plastic pack liner to keep it dry, especially your sleeping bag and clothes.

Multi-day tramp gear list

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.