Page updated: 5th July 2008

Contact Us:
mail@ruggedyrange.com

Page Content

About the Rakiura Track & Port William

Trip Details - Coastal Highlights

Trip Details - Rakiura Great Walk

Back to Walks & Hikes Options

About the Rakiura Great Walk & Port William

The Rakiura Great Walk is classified as one of New Zealand's Great Walks. It is a relatively easy three-day walk, mainly through regenerating native forest, with coastal sections and sites of historical significance. The walk is a loop from Halfmoon Bay, Port William, North Arm (Paterson Inlet), returning to Halfmoon Bay.

We are offering a one-day guided trip: Coastal Highlights, from Port William to Halfmoon Bay and the three day Rakiura Great Walk.

Coastal Highlights takes in Golden Bay in Paterson Inlet, Port William, Maori Beach, Little River, Lee Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Butterfield Beach and Oban Township (Halfmoon Bay). Port William was once the site of an early Maori settlement and was used as a sealing depot by Europeans. Designated as a township it was briefly settled with Shetland immigrants. Maori Beach, on the way back to Halfmoon Bay, was once the site of a Maori village and European sawmill site. It has reverted to wilderness and has a lovely stretch of golden sandy beach with two creeks running at either end. Little River, and Horseshoe Bay and Mill Creek are also historical sawmill sites will little evidence remaining.

Nature, coastal scenery and history - take a boat along Stewart Island's north east coast to Port William. Enjoy a coastal walk in Rakiura National Park, superb views, picturesque bays and golden beaches, whilst learning about the forest, sea and early Island history.

Book Now (click here to make a booking)

What we do - See also main Map.

Meet with your guide from Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience for a day walk in Rakiura National Park. Take the water taxi from Golden Bay Wharf, Stewart Island, for a 40 minutes ride along the coast to Port William - situated along the three-day Rakiura Great Walk, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

During your boat trip, some seabirds may be viewed, depending on the time of year, including Stewart Island shags, sooty shearwaters and mollymawks (small albatrosses).

Once the site of an early Maori settlement, a European sealing depot and home to Shetland Island immigrants in the 1870's, little evidence remains of the early history of Port William. During your walk, your guide will provide informative commentary on Stewart Island's early history. Investigate hidden relics of the old sawmilling era.

Enjoy this superb coastal walk, with views of emerald green water on clear sunny days and glimpses of South Island mountains. Learn about the area's forest and birdlife, watch fantails, tomtits, tui and bellbird and the handsome New Zealand wood pigeon resting on its perch.

At Maori Beach, take a rest and lunch before continuing on to picturesque Little River and Lee Bay. Enjoy magical views at Lee Bay including Stewart Island's highest mountain - Mt Anglem (981 mtrs, 3200 ft). Take time to learn about the native rare and threatened plants in the area. At very low tides we explore the sea life through crystal clear waters amongst the rock pools. Continue on to Horseshoe Bay for your shuttle back to Oban Township.

Back to Top