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 - DOC
Stewart Island/
Rakiura short walks
Rakiura – land of the glowing skies
STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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 SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
[
    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
                                                                                                                                                      RS

The Visitor Centre offers:
                                                                                                     Metalled road                                           E
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Halfmoon Bay

                                                                                                                                                             SH
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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
                                                                 NT RY
                                                                                                    Park Visitor Centre
                                                            NO E

• Hut tickets                                                                                                                                 MAIN ROAD

                                                                                   [
                                                                                   To Fern Gully,

                                                                                                                                                                                     EL
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• Rakiura Track bookings                                                           Ryans Creek,

                                                                                                                                                                                          GI
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                                                                                   Kaipipi Bay

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• A range of retail products – maps, brochures, books, souvenirs
                                                                                   Track

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• Topographical maps for hire or purchase                                                                                              WALK

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                                                                                                                          Traill

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• Emergency locator beacons for hire                                                                                      Par k ROA                                                                                                       PE

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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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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (PETERSON HILL)
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      TRACK
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  display area with information on the cultural and natural
 history of the island.                                RYANS CREEK
                                                       TRACK                        Thule
                                                                                                                      Golden
                                                                                                                       Bay
                                                                                     Bay
                                                                                                               Golden
                                                                                                              Bay Wharf                                                GO
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Park Visitor Centre.                                                                                              Ion a Is la nd                                                                                                                ep
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Photo: DOC                                                                                                                                                           Ul va Is la nd
                                                          0       100      200 m
                                                                                                                                                                           [
Right – Vaila Voe Bay.
Photo: Keri Moyle

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
Visitor centre

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Toilet
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Historic site

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Viewpoint
                                Wooding
                                 Bay                                                                                                                                                             Walking track
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                                                                                                                 Lee Bay                                                                         Non-DOC managed tracks
                 Rakiura National Park
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Rakiura National Park

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                                                                                                                                                  Horseshoe Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                           9                Horseshoe Point
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                                                                                                                                                                                                       Dead Man Beach
                                                                                                                                                                                 7                       HORSESHOE
                                                                                                                                                                       Moturau Moana                     POINT TRACK
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       Kaipipi                                                                                                                          Observation                      Hill
        Bay                                                                                                                             Rock                                                       Ringaringa
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                                                            RYANS CREEK                              Vaila Voe     Thule            de GOLDEN BAY
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                                                                                                                                                                                                       Wohlers
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Monument

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       0.5          1 km                               Paterson Inlet / Whaka ā Te Wera
                                                                                                                                        Ul va Is la nd
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      R130140
STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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.

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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.

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STEWART ISLAND/ RAKIURA SHORT WALKS - RAKIURA - LAND OF THE GLOWING SKIES - DOC
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

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7. 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
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9. 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.

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11. 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                                                                                                                                      23
13. 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                                                                                                                                     25
Recreational 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                                                                                                                                  27
Local 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                                                                                                                                                29
Further 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 >
                                                                R136059
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