Hike Southern Circuit Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand

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Stewart Island/Rakiura's Southern Circuit Track is a remote, challenging tramp and requires good fitness, route-finding skills and backcountry experience. The track traverses the low-lying Freshwater and Rakeahua Valleys, then heads across to Doughboy and Mason Bay. 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. Segments of the hike include: Halfmoon Bay to North Arm Hut (5 hr, 12 km) North Arm to Freshwater Hut (6–7 hr, 11 km) Freshwater Hut to Freds Camp Hut (5 hr, 10 km) Freds Camp Hut to Rakeahua Hut (5 hr, 12 km) Side trip: Mt Rakeahua (5 hr return, 9 km) Rakeahua Hut to Doughboy Bay Hut (8 hr, 16 km) Doughboy Bay Hut to Mason Bay Hut (6 - 7 hr, 18 km) Mason Bay Hut to Freshwater Hut (3–4 hr, 15.5 km) Side trip: Rocky Mountain Track (3 hr return, 5 km) Freshwater Hut to North Arm Hut (6–7 hr, 11 km) North Arm Hut to Halfmoon Bay (5 hr, 12 km)

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