09 October 2026
Mainly fine but the chance of an inland afternoon or evening shower. Areas of low cloud or fog possible at night. Light winds but easterlies about the coast for a time this afternoon.
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1 / 10Rakiura National Park
Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
Stewart Island/Rakiura's Southern Circuit Track is a remote, challenging tramp and requires good fitness, route-finding skills and backcountry experience.
Distance
71.5 km
Walking time
4 - 6 days round trip from Freshwater landing
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Southland forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 4:49 pm
10 October 2026
Areas of low cloud or fog in the morning and again at night, otherwise partly cloudy with isolated afternoon and evening showers. Easterlies about the coast for a time in the afternoon.
11 October 2026
Fine, but becoming mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the evening. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies, dying out in the evening.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
The easiest way to start and finish the Southern Circuit is to arrange a water-taxi pick-up or drop-off at Freshwater Landing, Freds Camp or Rakeahua Hut. This allows you to avoid some of the sections most prone to flooding. You can also walk the circuit to and from Halfmoon Bay/Oban but need to allow another 2–4 days to complete it. During heavy rain flooding is likely in low lying areas. Caution is required especially in the Rakeahua and Freshwater valleys.
Halfmoon Bay to North Arm Hut
Time: 5 hr Distance: 12 km From Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, turn left and follow Main Road. Turn right along Kaipipi Road until reaching the sign marking the start of Ryan's Creek, Fern Gully, Kaipipi Bay and North Arm tracks. Continue until just before Kaipipi Bay. The track to North Arm is signposted on the right. North Arm Hut North Arm Campsite Bookings are required at this hut/campsite.
North Arm to Freshwater Hut
Time : 6–7 hr Distance : 11 km This section of track is steep and often slippery, crossing over Thompson Ridge. During periods of heavy rain, some creeks on this track may become impassable. A bridge shown on topo maps at the northern end of North Arm before the climb over Thompson ridge has since been removed. Freshwater Hut
Freshwater Hut to Freds Camp Hut
Time : 5 hr Distance : 10 km The track starts directly opposite Freshwater Hut and travels down the swampy Freshwater valley to Tolson River – this area is prone to flooding. After crossing the river by swing bridge the track enters the forest, traversing undulating country to Freds Camp Hut (10 bunks). Freds Camp Hut
Freds Camp Hut to Rakeahua Hut
Time : 5 hr Distance : 12 km The track follows close to the shore of Paterson Inlet’s South West Arm and then the banks of the Rakeahua River. Rakeahua Hut is about 3 km upstream from the mouth. Note: After heavy rain or during extreme high tide the area near Rakeahua hut is prone to flooding. Rakeahua Hut Side trip: Mt Rakeahua Time : 5 hr return Distance : 9 km The track climbs through forest and subalpine scrubland to a rocky summit with great views. The track is marked by poles above the bush line.
Rakeahua Hut to Doughboy Bay Hut
Time : 8 hr Distance : 16 km The track climbs gradually up the Rakeahua valley – after heavy rain the early part of this track becomes waist deep in water. The track continues through forest, semi-open scrubland and bog fields, then steeply descends into Doughboy Bay. A hut is at the north end of the beach. Doughboy Bay Hut
Doughboy Bay Hut to Mason Bay Hut
Time : 6 - 7 hr Distance : 18 km The track climbs steeply up Adams Hill and across the swampy summit before descending through forest to Cavalier Creek on Mason Bay. Walk north along the beach to Duck Creek. The track to Mason Bay Hut is marked by buoys attached to a pole. Mason Bay Hut
Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut
Time : 3–4 hr Distance : 15.5 km Follow the track to the Island Hill homestead and then over flat tussock and mānuka country to Freshwater River and Freshwater Hut. Note: This track is often flooded during or after periods of heavy rain. Freshwater Hut Side trip: Rocky Mountain Track Time : 3 hr return Distance : 5 km A climb from behind the Freshwater Hut, through forest and subalpine scrubland to rock outcrops, gives panoramic views over the Freshwater Flats and Paterson inlet.
Freshwater Hut to North Arm Hut
Time : 6–7 hr Distance : 11 km This section of track is steep and often slippery. It crosses over Thompson Ridge to the North Arm of Paterson Inlet. North Arm has a Great Walk hut and campsite. During periods of heavy rain, some creeks on this track may become impassable. A bridge shown on topo maps at the northern end of North Arm just after the descent from Thompson ridge has since been removed. North Arm Hut North Arm Campsite
North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay
Time : 5 hr Distance : 12 km The track traverses above North Arm to Sawdust Bay. From the former sawmill site the track cuts across a low headland to reach Kidney Fern Arm in Prices Inlet, and continues through forest for another hour before emerging at Kaipipi Bay. From there it follows the former Kaipipi Road to Halfmoon Bay.
Essential information for Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
What to expect Track surfaces are varied and involve long sections of mud that can be knee-deep and thick, regardless of the season. Some sections of track are prone to flooding. Keep to the tracks as valleys are steep and the bush is dense. Beach access can be difficult when tides are high and seas are rough – if necessary, wait for low tide. Communication Cell phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on. Taking a personal locator beacon is strongly recommended. Weather Stewart Island’s weather is extremely changeable and difficult to predict. Strong winds, hail and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year. Snow can occur above the bush line on any part of the Northwest Circuit, including side trips. Huts and hut tickets None of the huts have gas cooking facilities, lighting, power or toilet paper. All backcountry huts on the Southern and North West Circuit Tracks require Backcountry Hut Tickets or an Backcountry Hut Pass. Trampers planning on staying at any of the Great Walk huts and campsites (Port William Hut/Campsite, North Arm Hut/Campsite and Maori Beach Campsite) while walking the North West Circuit Track must make a booking prior to departure.
Getting there for Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
Water taxis land at North Arm Hut, Freshwater Hut, Freds Camp Hut and Rakeahua.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
No dogs.
Before you walk Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.