Last updated November 2026
The North West Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura is a challenging multi-day tramp around the northern coast of Rakiura/Stewart Island, in Rakiura National Park. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track, a 125 km loop of 9 to 11 days from Halfmoon Bay.
Sweeping beaches, rocky headlands and big scenery reward fit, well-equipped trampers. Expect deep mud in any season, unbridged river crossings and a tide-dependent section at the north end of Mason Bay. Stewart Island is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for North West Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start and finish
- Halfmoon Bay (Oban), Rakiura/Stewart Island
- Distance from the city
- About 49 km from Invercargill; one-hour ferry from Bluff or 20-minute flight from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 9–11 days
- Track length
- 125 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Huts
- Port William, Bungaree, Christmas Village, Yankee River, Long Harry, East Ruggedy, Big Hellfire, Mason Bay, Freshwater and North Arm huts (DOC huts)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Check DOC for current alerts before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About North West Circuit
From Halfmoon Bay, the circuit follows the road to Lee Bay, the entrance to Rakiura National Park, then the coast past Māori Beach to Port William Hut (4 hr, 12 km). It crosses forested hill country to Bungaree Hut (3–4 hr), then heads inland past Murray Beach, where the Murray River bridge has been removed, to Christmas Village Hut (6 hr). DOC’s advice at this point: if you have found it difficult so far, turn back.
From Christmas Village, an expert side trip climbs Mount Anglem/Hananui (980 m), the island’s highest point (6 hr return). The main circuit continues to Yankee River Hut (6 hr), over Black Rock Point to Smoky Beach and Long Harry Hut (4–5 hr), then along the coast and over Cave Point ridge to East Ruggedy Hut (6 hr).
The track follows West Ruggedy Beach and climbs to Big Hellfire Hut (7 hr), then crosses to Little Hellfire Beach and down to Mason Bay (7 hr). Mason Bay holds a nationally important dune system and the historic Island Hill homestead.
From Mason Bay Hut, flat tussock and mānuka country leads to Freshwater Hut (3–4 hr), then a steep crossing of Thompson Ridge to North Arm Hut (6–7 hr) and back to Halfmoon Bay (5 hr).
Along the way, DOC lists forest of rimu, kāmahi, rātā and miro, and birds including tūī, kākā, kākāriki and Stewart Island kiwi, which can sometimes be seen during the day. Keep at least 20 m from New Zealand sea lions resting on the beaches.
Mason Bay and the Tides
DOC warns that access to the north end of Mason Bay is changeable and depends on tides and sea conditions. Sand erosion means waves can reach the cliffs at high tide, so you may not be able to get down to the beach for up to 12 hours around high tide, or even at low tide during storm surges.
Plan to walk this section at low tide, and check Mason Bay tide times with DOC staff, as they differ from Oban. Fill water bottles at Big Hellfire Hut, as there is no reliable water until Little Hellfire Beach.
Huts and Bookings
None of the huts have gas cooking, lighting, power or toilet paper. DOC says all backcountry huts on the circuit need Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass.
If you plan to stay at the Great Walk huts and campsites (Port William Hut and Campsite, North Arm Hut and Campsite, and Māori Beach Campsite), you must book before you leave.
Track Conditions and Safety
Mud can be knee-deep and thick in any season, and some sections flood. The unbridged river crossings mean the route is only suitable for trampers skilled in river crossing; do not cross flooded rivers, and if in doubt, stay out. Rakiura’s weather is extremely changeable, with strong winds, hail and heavy rain possible year-round and snow above the bushline.
Cell coverage is very limited and huts have no radios, so DOC strongly recommends a personal locator beacon or mountain radio. Pack spare food and an emergency shelter for delays, call in at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre before you start, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Do the huts on the North West Circuit have gas, lights or power?
Where do you leave a car or spare gear at Halfmoon Bay while doing the circuit?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the North West Circuit?
DOC gives a 125 km loop taking 9 to 11 days.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, with deep mud, unbridged rivers and tide-dependent beach sections.
Do I need to book huts?
Backcountry huts need Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass. The Great Walk huts and campsites at Port William, North Arm and Māori Beach must be booked before you leave.
How do I get to Stewart Island?
DOC says it is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.
When should I walk the north end of Mason Bay?
At low tide. Access can be blocked for up to 12 hours around high tide.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Is there phone coverage?
Very limited. DOC strongly recommends a personal locator beacon or mountain radio.
Can I climb Mount Anglem/Hananui?
Yes, as a 6-hour return expert side trip from Christmas Village Hut.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: North West Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Rakiura National Park: huts, alerts and visitor centre information.
- Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.