S03E05 | Introduction to the Rakiura Track // Tips for Hiking New Zealand Great Walks

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Is the Rakiura Track on your New Zealand Hiking bucket list? Let me know below!

[@chrisj8764]

Did this in a 11 hr and 15 minute day this past weekend. Lee Bay to Potirepo (Port William) Hut was lovely and by far the nicest part of the track; the middle needs more maintenance in my opinion. Saw lots of birds (though no kiwi) and three deer.

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Wow! This is a great effort. As you say, the track is definitely doable in a single day, if you’re fit and prepared enough. Personally, though, I like the slower and more immersed multi-day option. Sad you didn’t get to see any kiwi, but I hear only 60% of people do!

[@emmabulmer32]

Great video Michelle you have a huge talent for it. What a wonderful great walk another to add to my increasing list of trails to walk when I visit New Zealand one day soon I hope x

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Thanks Emma, and sorry for the delay in acknowledging your comment! Hopefully I'll get back to Rakiura some time soon to have a more wild experience :)

[@BCHiker]

Really great information here & a well presented video! Thanks 😊

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Thank you so much! Glad you found it helpful 😍

[@PetrichorWeaves]

Really love these detailed and useful track descriptions, thanks so much! Deserves so many more views.

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Thanks for the very kind comment! As long as it's getting out to some people, I'm happy!

[@binman5233]

Thank you LWG. A comprehensive and very useful guide to the track. A guide I will return to for future reference .

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Awesome! And thank you so much, really glad you got some value from this episode :)

[@4evaavfc]

Thank you, going there in December.

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Awesome! I hope you have just as great a time as I did. I'd love to get back down there again sometime soon, such a stunning part of the world! Good luck for your trip

[@robertdean1579]

Excellent video! Is this island far enough south to see the aurora australis?

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Absolutely! Many places in the South Island are far enough south to see the Auroro, but Rakiura has the advantage of having minimal light pollution as well, so outside of Tekapo/Takapō, it's one of the best places in the country to see it. Of course, you have to wait for almost perfect conditions... or just get lucky!

[@darnellnepia1629]

I can't unfortunately walk the entire Rakiura track. Does anyone know roughly how long it takes to walk from the Lee Bay trail head to Maori bay campsite?

[@chrisj8764]

Maybe one and a half hours.

[@weekendwarrior405]

Did you sail or fly to stewart island?

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

I used the Stewart Island Experience ferry. It was everything I expected it to be (unfortunately 😩)!

[@herbisond]

Call it rakiura Stewart island it hasn’t been Stewart island for a long time

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

👍

[@herbisond]

@@LongWhiteGypsysorry mansplaining