STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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Stewart Island/ Rakiura short walks Rakiura – land of the glowing skies
Contents
Stewart Island/Rakiura 2
History 4
Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve and 6
Te Whaka a Te Wera Mātaitai Reserve
Ulva Island –Te Wharawhara – a special place 7
Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre 8
Map 10
Short walks and tracks 12
Other places to visit 25
Recreational activities 26
Local birds 28
Cover: Ulva Island
Photo: Dean McKenzie
Published by:
Department of Conservation
Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
PO Box 3, Stewart Island 9846
July 2018
Editing and design:
Creative Services Team, DOC National office
All photos, unless otherwise credited,
are copyright DOC.
This publication is produced using paper sourced from
well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Just 20 minutes by plane from Invercargill or an hour by
ferry from Bluff, Stewart Island/Rakiura is a place where
you can experience lush rainforest, clear, clean water and
abundant marine and bird life.
“An actual piece of the primeval world,” was how naturalist
Leonard Cockayne described Rakiura in 1909. Cockayne’s
description is still relevant today, with 85% of the island protected
by national park status. Halfmoon Bay, known as Oban, is the
only settlement on the island and has a population of around
400 people. Although there are only a few shops in the township,
nearly all items visitors require are available from the town’s
general store. Please note: There is one ATM on the island
that is only accessible during shop hours and does not accept
foreign credit cards. Many places also accept EFTPOS, Visa
and MasterCard.
Naming One of the earlier Māori names for the island, Te puka o te
waka a Māui (the anchor of Māui’s canoe) refers to the story
The Māori name, Rakiura, came about when Te Rakitamau,
of Māui’s discovery of New Zealand. He used the South Island
second son of Tukekawa, crossed Te Ara a Kewa (Foveaux Strait)
as a waka (canoe) to fish up the North Island while Stewart
to Mouterenui (Big Island) to ask a Kati Māmoe chief for the
Island/Rakiura anchored his canoe. The chain sculpture at Lee
elder of his daughters in marriage. He found that she was tāpui
Bay, which marks the entrance to Rakiura National Park, is in
(betrothed) to another. He blushed in embarrassment and asked
recognition of this legend.
for the second daughter instead. When he found that she was
tāpui also, he blushed even deeper. From this arose the saying Today Rakiura is commonly translated as ‘land of the glowing
‘Te raki o te uranga a Te Rakitamau’ (the day of the blushings of skies’, possibly in reference to the vibrant sunrises, lingering
Te Rakitamau). In memory of the event, the saying was used as a sunsets, and the occasional night-time glow of the aurora
new name for the island and soon became shortened to Rakiura australis (Southern Lights).
(blushing skies) or Raki (Te Rakitamau) ura (blushing). Stewart Island takes its European name from William Stewart,
who began charting the southern coasts of the island in the early
1800s while on board the sealing vessel Pegasus.
Weather
The weather on Stewart Island/Rakiura is often unpredictable.
There are no distinctive wet and dry months – it is possible to
have four seasons in one day! Rain falls on around 265 days of the
year, with rainfall in Oban averaging 1600 mm per year, rising to
5000 mm in the south and west of the island. Sunshine hours in
Oban equal the national average, with temperatures in summer
reaching the mid-twenties. The maximum average winter
temperature is 9.9°C and heavy frosts are uncommon.
Above – Lee Bay entrance to Rakiura Track and Rakiura National Park. Photo: Jeremy Pearce
Left – Kayaking on Paterson Inlet. Photo: Liz Cave
2 3
History Natural history
Rimu and kāmahi are the
Archaeological evidence shows Māori have been visiting Stewart main tall forest trees around
Island/Rakiura on food-gathering expeditions since the 13th Oban, with rimu, miro and
century, taking advantage of the rich sea and bird life. Today, tōtara providing timber
cultural harvest of muttonbird/tītī on the nearby Titi/Muttonbird for the early settlers.
Islands is still important for many Rakiura Māori, and Rakiura is Rimu from the island
still of great importance to Ngāi Tahu Whānui. was greatly prized due
Rakiura and the Foveaux Strait area were significant for to its high proportion of
economic and cultural interaction between Māori and early heartwood, a result of the
European sealers and whalers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. slow growth rate on Stewart
Many men who came in search of seals and whales married local Island/Rakiura.
Māori women, had families and stayed. Local Māori also became Kāmahi is the most common tree, identified by the whitish
involved in whaling and sealing. This became the foundation of blotches on its spreading trunk and its toothed, wavy leaves. Rātā
the modern settlement of the island and many residents trace is also widespread and in summer, its spectacular show of bright
their ancestry to these early beginnings. red flowers makes it easily recognisable.
Crown agents purchased the island from Rakiura Māori in 1864 Lancewood, coprosma, tree fern and broadleaf make up the forest
for £6,000. However, tītī harvest rights for Rakiura Māori were understory. Fuchsia is common around Oban and is one of New
protected. Gold and tin mining, sawmilling, boat building and Zealand’s few deciduous trees, as well as the largest fuchsia in
fishing industries developed with the growing population, and the world. It has orangey, papery bark and pendulous purple
by 1870 Oban was a small yet active township. Tourism began to flowers, whose nectar is a favourite food for tūī and bellbirds/
develop around this time, based around the island’s scenic values. korimako. Wood pigeons/kererū feed on the purple, fleshy berry
Reserves were created to protect these values, beginning with known as kōnini. Ferns throughout
Ulva Island in 1899 – one of the first reserves in New Zealand. the forest are lush and varied
Visitors to Harrold Bay will see one of the oldest buildings in and grow in a variety of
New Zealand: a stone house built by Lewis Acker in 1835. On the habitats, along with 30
way are Lonnekers Beach and Leask Bay, each associated with species of native orchid.
early whaling and fishing industries. In 1875 the island’s first If you arrive by boat,
hotel was opened at Lonnekers Beach and the giant blue gums your introduction to
seen today were planted. For further insight into the history of Rakiura’s birdlife is often
Rakiura, the Rakiura Museum is definitely worth a visit. the muttonbirds/tītī, gulls,
Today cod, crayfish and pāua fishing, salmon and mussel farming, Buller’s mollymawks and
conservation and tourism are the island’s main industries. little blue penguins/kororā.
Around Oban, bellbirds, tūī and
parakeets/kākāriki are easily seen.
Most island residents boast of having these birds, as well as
Rakiura Heritage fantails/pīwakawaka and wood pigeons, in their gardens.
Rakiura Heritage, by Neville Peat, Summer evenings resound with the liquid melody of kākā high
provides a guide to the intriguing array in the trees or calling across the waters of Paterson Inlet/Whaka
of historic sites found on the island.
a Te Wera. Grey warblers/riroriro sing in the forest, particularly
after rain, and walkers commonly encounter tomtits/miromiro
This book is available from various
on the tracks.
outlets on Stewart Island/Rakiura,
including the Rakiura National Park
Visitor Centre. Top – Fuchsia flowers. Photo: Chris Rance
Above – Rātā in flower. Photo: Sean Cooper
4 5
Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara Marine Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara – a special place
Reserve and Te Whaka a Te Wera Ulva Island is the jewel in the Rakiura National Park’s crown and
Mātaitai Reserve a place not to be missed. Just 10 minutes by boat across Paterson
Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, Ulva Island is one of the few sanctuaries
in New Zealand open to visitors.
From early times, Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera has
held spiritual significance for tangata whenua. The inlet’s Abundant birdlife, rich forest, golden sand beaches and a variety
combination of rocky reef, sand and soft-mud floor is an of well-formed walking tracks make for a wonderful half- or
important habitat for more than 46 species of fish. It also has full-day visit either by yourself or with a guide. The island
more varieties of seaweed than anywhere else in New Zealand was declared free of rats in 1997 following a pest eradication
and other interesting species, such as the living fossils called programme, allowing endangered birds to be released and the
brachiopods. forest to recover. Department of Conservation biosecurity teams
are committed to maintaining this status. It is the ongoing
In recognition of the inlet’s continuing special importance,
responsibility of everyone to help protect this special place. The
Rakiura Māori and the Stewart Island community secured a
Ulva Island Charitable Trust, a community volunteer group
mātaitai reserve in 1994, prohibiting commercial fishing within
dedicated to providing a refuge for endangered species in the
all internal waters. The boundary is between Ackers Point and
sanctuary, is helping to restore the island.
Bullers Point on The Neck.
Ulva Island has an interesting human history, being the site of a
See Department of Conservation, www.doc.govt.nz or the
post office established in 1872 that served as a focal point for the
Ministry of Primary Industries’ website, www.fish.govt.nz, for
inlet settlements at that time.
bylaws and recreational fishing rules that apply in this area.
There is no entry fee to the island. For more information, please
The Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve covers 1,075
refer to ‘Ulva Island – Explore an island paradise’, available from
hectares, or about 15% of Paterson Inlet, adjoining Ulva Island. All
the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre and at the Ulva Island
marine life is fully protected in the marine reserve. This special
shelter, in Post Office Bay.
area provides a haven for fish and shellfish and animals such as
seals and penguins, as well as seabirds that breed on For visitors with children,
land but feed at sea. this is a Kiwi Guardians
site – more details at the
Free from harvest, a reserve can return to its natural state,
Visitor Centre or online
providing opportunities for study and enjoyment in an
at www.doc.govt.nz.
undisturbed marine environment.
Right – Ulva Island.
Photo: Jeremy Pearce
Bottom – Jellyfish at Ulva Island.
Photo: Keri Moyle
ULVA ISLAND Golden Bay
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara
Marine Reserve NATIVE ISLAND
THE NECK
P a t e r s o n I n l e t / W h a k a a Te W e r a
6
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Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
Visitor centre Bluff
Toilet Butterfield Beach
Wharf
Situated on Main Road, a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal Viewpoint
and flight centre, Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre is open Bridge
Cemetery
daily except Christmas Day. Opening hours vary according to E
Walking track
the season. For the current hours, check the Visitor Centre doors Non-DOC managed tracks
Bathing Beach
or the website at www.doc.govt.nz Sealed road E
HO
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The Visitor Centre offers:
Metalled road E
Halfmoon Bay
SH
O
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• National park and conservation information
BA
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• Up-to-date weather and track information
Stewart Island Ferry
OA D Rakiura National Visitor Terminal
• Hunting and permit information A IRP
ORT R
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Park Visitor Centre
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• Hut tickets MAIN ROAD
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To Fern Gully,
EL
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• Rakiura Track bookings Ryans Creek,
GI
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Kaipipi Bay
E
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and Rakiura ET RR
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• A range of retail products – maps, brochures, books, souvenirs
Track
RE
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FUCHSIA
• Topographical maps for hire or purchase WALK
AD
Traill
RO
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• Emergency locator beacons for hire Par k ROA PE
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AW BA
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• Lockers that are accessible during opening hours RA LD
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n area where visitors can watch DVDs and videos on OBSERVATION
ROCK TRACK
conservation-related topics TH U
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DEEP BAY
(PETERSON HILL)
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display area with information on the cultural and natural
history of the island. RYANS CREEK
TRACK Thule
Golden
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Photo: DOC Ul va Is la nd
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Right – Vaila Voe Bay.
Photo: Keri Moyle
8 9
Visitor centre
Toilet
Historic site
Viewpoint
Wooding
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Lee Bay Non-DOC managed tracks
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Rakiura National Park
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Horseshoe Bay
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Dead Man Beach
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Moturau Moana POINT TRACK
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R130140
Short walks and tracks 1. Observation Rock
30 minutes
Times for the tracks described below range from 30
minutes to 6 or 7 hours. Times given are for return trips Although it’s a steep walk to reach Observation Rock, you are
from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre (RNPVC). rewarded with panoramic views over Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te
Wera and, on clear days, views of Mount Rakeahua. Observation
Most walking tracks around the village are gravelled and can
Rock is also a superb place to watch sunsets – and sometimes the
easily be walked in practical shoes. However, tracks marked
aurora australis.
with an asterisk (*) can be muddy, and tramping boots are
recommended. Carry a raincoat, because weather on Rakiura Directions: From the RNPVC head towards the waterfront, turn
changes rapidly and it is best to be well prepared for all conditions. right, walking along the waterfront until you reach Ayr Street. Turn
right here and follow the road to the top of the hill, turning left at
Bicycles are allowed on some walking tracks around Oban.
Leonard Street. At the end of Leonard Street, the road bends to the
Check track information and observe the signs.
left to Excelsior Street. Look for the Department of Conservation
Dogs can harm birdlife and are not permitted on most tracks. signpost marking the short path to Observation Rock.
Ask at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre for information
on where you can take your dog.
Track grades
Easy access short walk: suitable for people of all View from Observation Rock. Photo: Keri Moyle
abilities, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Walking shoes
required.
Short walk: well-formed track with easy walking for
up to an hour. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable
for most abilities and fitness levels.
Walking track: gentle walk from a few minutes to a
day, suitable for people with low to moderate fitness
and abilities.
Great Walk/easy tramping track: well-formed track,
suitable for comfortable day tramping or hiking.
Tramping track: challenging day or multi-day
tramping. Track may be rough and muddy. Suitable
for fit, experienced and adequately equipped people.
12 13
2. Fuchsia and Raroa Reserve Walks 3. Fern Gully*
1 hour 2 hours
Five minutes from the RNPVC lies an area of rich natural forest Fern Gully follows an old sawmill track along a stream flanked by
untouched by early milling operations. Two tracks run through beautiful ferns and regenerating forest. This is a sheltered walk
this section of scenic reserve, which was gifted to the Government with minimal elevation – ideal for children and those wanting a
in the 1960s by Captain George Turner. He recognised the gentle day hike. Because of the low gradient, this track can be
importance of protecting walks near Halfmoon Bay that had been muddy, which is why it is classified as a tramping track. Sturdy
undamaged by early milling or land clearance. The track takes footwear is recommended.
you past 500-year-old rimu, lush ferns, vibrant mosses and tree Directions: Turn left outside the RNPVC and continue up Main
fuchsia. During the summer months, this area of forest is alive Road for 2 km. Main Road will take you to the Fern Gully car park
with the chorus of bellbirds/korimako, tūī, wood pigeons/kererū where a signpost marks the start of the Fern Gully track.
and kākā.
Crown fern. Photo: DOC
Directions: Turn left outside the RNPVC and left again into
Dundee Street. Fuchsia Walk is signposted about 100 m to
your right. Follow the walk to Traill Park. From here you might
choose to cross the field and climb Observation Rock or continue
diagonally across the field and onto the Raroa Walk. This
15-minute track takes you to Watercress Beach and Thule Road.
Raroa Walk. Photo: Keri Moyle
4. Lonnekers Beach – Ringaringa Beach
– Evening Cove
1 hr 30 min
Directions: For the beach lovers, follow the coast road to Lonnekers
Beach. A track begins halfway along Lonnekers Beach, climbing
up and over a small hill before descending into Ringaringa Beach.
Ringaringa Beach boasts of a variety of rockpools, perfect for
exploring although only accessible at low tide.
From Ringaringa you may return the same way or continue
up the trail to Leask Bay Road. From Leask Bay turn right into
Evening Cove Road for a 10-minute walk leading to a peaceful
and secluded beach. It is worth noting that this beach all but
disappears at high tide, so check a tide chart before heading out.
14 15
5. Golden Bay – Deep Bay – Ringaringa 6. Bathing Beach
Beach – Peterson Hill 30 minutes
1 hr 30 min – 2 hours
Bathing Beach is a popular and sheltered swimming area with
This coastal-fringe track winds, climbs and falls to provide scenic a white sand beach. The adjacent Mill Creek estuary is an
views of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, Ulva Island and interesting place to explore at low tide, with remnants of timber
Halfmoon Bay from the top of Peterson Hill. During bad weather, from early milling days still visible along the creek edge. This
the forest offers some protection from rain and wind. track is maintained by the Southland District Council.
A picnic table at Deep Bay provides a place to pause and enjoy Directions: Continue uphill from the general store, turning right
the scenery. You may also continue straight ahead from Deep into Kamahi Road and following this around until reaching the
Bay, along the road to Ringaringa beach lookout. A monument to Bathing Beach signpost.
Reverend Wohlers, an early missionary, is situated not far from
this point. Carry on past the Ringaringa Beach lookout until you
see the marked trail beginning as the road ends. This track travels
over private land so please respect this area. From the monument, Bathing Beach. Photo: Keri Moyle
you are rewarded with panoramic views over Native Island and
the inlet.
Directions: From the RNPVC, follow Golden Bay Road past
Traill Park and down into Golden Bay. Before you get to Golden
Bay Wharf, you will see the track signposted to your left. To
return to Halfmoon Bay, walk back along the road past Deep Bay
for a short distance until you meet the track through Deep Bay
Reserve and over Peterson Hill.
Right – Wohlers Monument.
Photo: DOC
Below – Ringaringa Point.
Photo: Keri Moyle
16 177. Moturau Moana 8. Harrold Bay and Ackers Point
1 hour 3 hours
Moturau Moana translates to ‘islands of bush above the sea’ and Harrold Bay and Ackers Point Track follows the southern
is a mostly native garden, gifted by the late Noeline Baker to the coastline of Halfmoon Bay to a scenic lookout.
New Zealand Government. Miss Baker collected the plants both
Rich in history, picturesque Harrold Bay boasts one of the
from Stewart Island/Rakiura and on field trips to the South Island.
oldest stone buildings in New Zealand. Venture inside the
Today, these gardens provide a peaceful setting with views over
house, built by Lewis Acker in 1835, and imagine life here with
Halfmoon Bay. The gardens are suitable for pushchairs. Picnic
his nine children!
tables, a shelter and toilet facilities are provided.
Continue along the main track through coastal forest until
Directions: From the Halfmoon Bay waterfront, continue left up
you reach Ackers Point. Here you will discover fantastic views
the hill from the general store. Continue past Butterfield Beach to
out over the Titi/Muttonbird Islands and Foveaux Strait. In
the Bragg Bay turn-off. The entrance to Moturau Moana is a few
mid- to late summer tītī, also known as sooty shearwaters
minutes along this gravel road, signposted on the left.
or muttonbirds, can sometimes be spotted returning to their
burrows around the point after dark. If you are lucky, after
dusk you may be able to spot a little blue penguin/kororā,
The gardens at Moturau Moana. Photo: DOC
but remember to stay on the gravelled path! A lighthouse at
Ackers Point, translocated from ‘The Neck’, lit the way for
boats until 2006. It has since been replaced by a beacon and
viewing platform for visitors.
For visitors with children, this is a Toyota Kiwi Guardians site
– find more details at the RNPVC or online at www.doc.govt.nz.
Toilet facilities are located at the start of this track; however,
toilet paper is not provided.
Directions: To get
to Harrold Bay and
Ackers Point, turn right
at the Halfmoon Bay
waterfront and follow
the coast road, passing
Lonnekers Bay and
Leask Bay until you
reach the end of the
road marking the start
of the track. Please
respect the privacy of
the landowners while
visiting Harrold Bay
and Ackers Point.
Ackers Point Beacon. Photo: DOC
18 199. Horseshoe Point 10. Ryans Creek*
3–4 hours 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr
Maintained by Southland District Council, the Horseshoe Point Between 1861 and 1931, a series
Track meanders along the coast from Bragg Bay, winding above of sawmills in this area milled Biking: As this track is
secluded bays and crystal-clear water. It descends steeply to Dead mainly rimu timber, along an original logging road,
Man Beach, which despite the name, is a pleasant spot to stop with some tōtara and miro. biking is permitted from
for a rest. Remnants of one of these mills Fern Gully to the picnic table.
Horseshoe Point is about an hour’s walk from Bragg Bay and is an can be seen in Ryans Creek Bikers must return the same
ideal place to view Foveaux Strait. From the point, the track passes at low tide. Rimu, tōtara and way. Please make yourselves
under huge macrocarpa trees, remnants of a former homestead miro make up the majority of known to walkers.
site, and eventually finishes beside the entrance to the Resource Rakiura’s forest canopy. These
Recovery Centre. podocarp trees produce fruit that numerous native birds rely on
for food. Southern rātā, kāmahi, broadleaf and mānuka make up
Directions: Follow Horseshoe Bay Road north for about 1.5 km, much of the sub-canopy forest, with an abundance of ferns and
turning into Bragg Bay Road just uphill from Butterfield Beach. mosses carpeting the forest floor.
The track starts at the end of the road.
In addition to scenic views of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera,
Right – Native orchid. Photo: DOC walkers may also see wading birds feeding on the Vaila Voe Bay
Below – View from Horseshoe Track. Photo: DOC mudflats at low tide. Remember to keep an eye out for the tiny and
delicate variations of Stewart Island orchid.
Directions: Ryans Creek track is accessible from either Thule
Road end or Kaipipi Road end, with the track winding, climbing
and descending through coastal vegetation.
20 2111. Kaipipi Bay* 12. Garden Mound – Little River*
3 hours 4–5 hours
During the first 30 years of For panoramic forest views over Oban, a walk up Garden Mound
timber milling, activity was Biking: As this track cannot be beaten. Garden Mound, an early scenic reserve,
very intense, and more than is an original logging escaped the milling activity that was once widespread from Port
100 people were employed road, biking is permitted William/Potirepo to the northern coast of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a
at the mills. In its heyday, to the sign at Kaipipi Te Wera. In the early 1900s, Garden Mound was a popular place
the track to Kaipipi Bay only. Bikers, please make for locals to visit, being one of the few areas close to the village
was one of the busiest and yourselves known to walkers. with forest still intact and where birds were common.
best-maintained roads on
Huge rimu, rātā and kāmahi are a feature of the track, which
the island, with people and supplies travelling back and forth
climbs to 160 m before dropping steadily to Little River. A scenic
between the mills and Oban. A large wharf was located at Kaipipi
round trip is possible by returning towards Lee Bay through
Bay to ship timber out. The predominant vegetation present is
the chain link sculpture which marks the entrance to Rakiura
regenerating forest.
National Park.
Directions: The walk to Kaipipi Bay takes you along an old
As Garden Mound is a tramping track, it is steep and slippery in
logging road. The surface is still in reasonable condition
sections. Tramping boots are advised.
considering all the traffic that has travelled along it. At the
track end a small grassy clearing looks out over Kaipipi Bay, Directions: Walk north past the general store and along
an enclosed haven on the Horseshoe Bay Road for about an hour until you reach the Lee
north shore of Paterson Inlet/ Bay Road turn-off at the far end of Horseshoe Bay. The start of
Whaka a Te Wera. The track Garden Mound track is signposted to your left, about 10 minutes
continues to North Arm Hut, along the road to Lee Bay.
part of the Rakiura Track
Great Walk.
Above – Kaipipi Bay. Photo: Keri Moyle
Below – Lee Bay to Hananui. Photo: DOC
22 2313. Maori Beach Other places to visit
6–7 hours
Cemetery
For those wanting to venture further afield into Rakiura National
Park, Maori Beach is an excellent choice for a day walk, offering 45 minutes
stunning scenery and plenty of local history. The Southland District Council’s Oban cemetery offers an insight
Between 1913 and 1935 the into the lives of some of the early settlers on the island, while
Maori Beach area was a busy providing stunning views out over the Mill Creek estuary.
settlement with a school, Directions: From the general store, continue left uphill on
along with several houses Horseshoe Bay Road. Just after crossing Mill Creek bridge, turn
for workers from the Maori left into Mapau Road and follow this road until turning left at the
Beach Sawmilling Company. cemetery signpost.
After the mill closed in 1931
(the last operating mill on Right – Halfmoon Bay Cemetery,
Stewart Island/Rakiura), overlooking Mill Creek estuary.
Below – Ulva Island. Photo: DOC
people gradually drifted away.
Today the area is peaceful and
picturesque, with regenerating
forest quickly hiding evidence
of those earlier days. However, remains of a boiler and steam
engine used by the mill can still be found, along with clumps of
montbretia and bluebells – legacies from the sawmillers’ cottages.
At the beach, a campsite for trampers provides a small shelter,
drinking water and a toilet, but not toilet paper. People intending
to stay overnight must first book the campsite either online at
www.doc.govt.nz or at the RNPVC.
Directions: From Oban follow the Horseshoe Bay Road north
for about an hour, until reaching Lee Bay Road. Turn left here,
following Lee Bay Road until the end, which marks the start of
Rakiura National Park and the track to Maori Beach and Port
William Hut. There are high tide tracks at Little River and Maori
Beach – the Maori Beach high tide section can be muddy but the
rest of the track beyond is gravelled and in good condition.
Above – Sawmill relics at Maori Beach. Photo: DOC
Below – Maori Beach. Photo: Bevan Mudie
24 25Recreational activities Snorkelling and diving
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara
Overnight tramping Marine Reserve surrounds
In addition to the short walks mentioned in this brochure, there much of Ulva Island,
are three tramping tracks on the island offering a variety of providing a safe haven
overnight options. For more information on the 3-day Rakiura and nursery for a variety
Track Great Walk, the 11-day Northwest Circuit Track and the of marine life. With the
5–8-day Southern Circuit Track, visit the Rakiura National Park clear waters of Paterson
Visitor Centre. Trampers need to be well equipped to walk Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, divers
these tracks. and snorkellers can enjoy the
spectacular range of seaweeds,
Fishing along with fish and shellfish, and
Fishing from the rocks may be difficult because of the kelp other marine animals such as seals and penguins. For more
forests surrounding the rocky coastline. However, boat charter information contact the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
trips are popular, and a variety of options are available.
Biking
About 15% of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera is marine reserve
Because there are only 28 km of roads, biking is an alternative to
and most of the remainder of the inlet is a mātaitai reserve.
hiring a car as a means of getting around Oban. Ensure that you
Please make sure you know the local fishing rules before
observe all signs and follow the Mountain Bikers Code: Respect
venturing out.
others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Hunting Please note, mountain bikes and e-bikes are not allowed on most
With the only readily accessible herd of whitetail deer in the tracks, however two tracks have partial access. If in doubt, please
southern hemisphere, Stewart Island/Rakiura is a popular check with the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
location for deer hunters. Permits are required to hunt in
the designated areas of public conservation land. For more
Kayaking
information contact the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre. On calm days, Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera and the eastern
coast of the island are excellent for kayaking. The clear water,
Right – Snorkelling, Ulva island. Photo: DOC abundant marine life and bush-fringed coastline make the island a
Below – Kayaking. Photo: Liz Cave kayaker’s paradise. For independent kayakers there is a useful fact
sheet available from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.
26 27Local birds For more information about SIRCET please contact:
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community and Environment Trust
Native birds are abundant around the Oban area. Bird numbers PO Box 124
have been steadily increasing, thanks to the efforts of the Stewart Island 9846
Halfmoon Bay Habitat Restoration Project initiated by the info@sircet.org.nz | www.sircet.org.nz
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community and Environment Trust
(SIRCET). This community-driven pest control project aims to Some of the birds commonly encountered
enhance backyard biodiversity and the return of native species. around the township and wider area are
shown below.
Tūī. Photo: Tui de Roy Bellbird/korimako. Photo: Brent Beaven Stewart Island robin/toutouwai. DOC Fantail/pīwakawaka. D Mudge
Wood pigeon/kererū. Eamonn Ganley Weka. Brent Beaven NZ parakeet/kākāriki. DOC Grey warbler. Kari Beaven
Silvereye. Brent Beaven Tomtit/miromiro. Brent Beaven Kākā. Brent Beaven Oystercatcher/tōrea. DOC
28 29Further information
For further information about walks on Stewart Island/Rakiura
or any of the tramping tracks please contact:
Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
15 Main Road, Halfmoon Bay
Stewart Island 9818
Phone +64 3 219 0009
Email: stewartisland@doc.govt.nz
www.doc.govt.nz
Ulva Island Charitable Trust
PO Box 180, Oban, Stewart Island 9846
9 421005 174694 >
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