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Description
The Rakiura Track combines untouched podocarp and southern beech forest, fern groves, coastal headlands, and sheltered bays - making it a rewarding three-day Great Walk for birders. The track passes through some of the most pristine habitats on Stewart Island, home to a wide variety of native species. Southern Brown Kiwi can sometimes be seen near huts or even on the track itself during the day. You will definitely hear them at night from the hut or campsite. Birdlife is present everywhere and all day, from very common New Zealand Bellbird and New Zealand Fantail, to New Zealand Kaka, Red-crowned Parakeet, and New Zealand Pigeon, over are Pipipi (Brown Creeper) and even Mohua. The coastline offers beautilful and scenic views and you can observe birds like Variable Oystercatcher, Spotted Shag, and terns, with occasional albatrosses or shearwaters offshore. Chances for penguins are in general slim, in particular for Yellow-eyed Penguin and Fiordland Penguin and only slightly better for Little Penguin.
Details
Access
The Rakiura Track is a 32 km loop that begins and ends near Oban, the main settlement on Stewart Island. It’s one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is well-formed and signposted, though muddy to extremely muddy all year. Most people complete the track over three days, staying at DOC huts or campsites at Port William and North Arm. Being very popular during summer, early booking is essential! The track is easily accessible by foot from Oban, with no need for boats or flights, though you can arrange pickup to and from the trail ends.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Dunes , Beach , Valley , Moors/heathlandConditions
Wet , High water possible , Slippery , MountainousCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , Summer , AutumnBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Since no particular spot sticks out and one would have to walk the track to get to any spot along anyhow, I made this whole circuit a single birdingplace.