Tracknet offer reliable daily scheduled passenger bus and coach services to and from many of the most beautiful areas of the South Island.
Tracknet
77 Manapouri-Te Anau Road
Te Anau 9679
New Zealand
res@tracknet.net
Stewart Island Rakiura
Stewart Island is located across the Foveaux Straight to the South of mainland New Zealand. It is a remote and rugged area and provides excellent hiking opportunities .
An overview of the hiking opportunities on Stewart Island / Rakiura are outlined below. For more information about Stewart Island walking tracks please contact the Department of Conservation.
North West Circuit Stewart Island
The North West Circuit offers challenging tramping around Stewart Island’s northern coast and is suitable for fit and experienced trampers. This track is 125 km in length and usually takes 9 – 11 days to complete. You are able to find out more information at the Department of Conservation website.
Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks that is on Stewart Island. It is a circular tramping track and follows the coastline for a large part of its length, passing small inlets, large bays, mudflats and crosses steep hills covered in bush. The track is 32km long and usually takes 3 days to walk. There are two huts on the track and campsites are also available. For more information and to book hut tickets, please visit the Department of Conservation website.
Southern Circuit Stewart Island
The Southern Circuit is regarded as a challenging tramp for those with experience in the backcountry requiring good fitness and navigation skills. You can get to it via the North West Circuit Track or by boat. It is a 71.5km round trip and takes 4-6 days as a round trip from Freshwater Landing. You are able to find out more information at Department of Conservation website.
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Managed by Department of Conservation (DOC) as an open sanctuary, Ulva Island is one of several small islands inside Paterson Inlet. Ulva Island is a predator and rodent-free island which is home to endangered and rare New Zealand birds including the Saddleback, which you can visit. You can access more information at Department of Conservation website.
How to get there:
The Tracknet coach concludes at Invercargill and you are able to take a 30 minute connecting coach ride to Bluff and the Ferries that link the South Island with Stewart Island / Rakiura. Our 6.55am service from Queenstown to Invercargill and 7.15am service from Te Anau to Invercargill links with the 10.00am shuttle from Invercargill to Bluff.
Returning from Stewart Island, you are able to catch the 8.00am ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff and Tracknet has onward connections to Te Anau and Queenstown departing Invercargill at 10.45am (operates daily from October-April and weekdays May-October).
View transport timetables and book online at the Stewart Island Experience website.
