FAQ's

The Stewart Island Track

What is included?
All meals, accommodation, transfers, hut and guiding fees, camping and cooking equipment and maps. We provide all linen. We have packs and wet weather gear available.

What do we need to take?

A good pair of comfortable walking boots or shoes is essential. We do have wet weather gear and backpacks available for your use please advise us in advance if you may require these. Some people find gaiters and walk sticks helpful.

The following list provides a guide for your packing;

Pair of shorts, trousers.
Thick woolen or fleece top.
Thermal long johns and shirt.
Socks, underwear and handkerchief.
Warm hat and light gloves.
Waterproof coat with hood.
Favourite boots or walking shoes.
Pair of light shoes or sandals.
Pack with waterproof liner.
Small torch, water bottle.
Personal medicine, toilet bag
Insect repellent, sun block.
Camera and film.

What is the weather going to be like ?

Hmmm interesting question. Four Seasons in One Day... well that's how New Zealand's favourite son Neil Finn described it in one of his songs!

Fiordland being as it is there is most probably a heavy rain warning due or just been. Stewart Island has over 250 days a year when it rains but it comes and goes pretty quick and we do our best to dodge the big clouds...needless to say good light wet weather gear is a big bonus.

This can all change on the tops of Dusky Track and yes we can get snow up there pretty much any time of the year ... golden rule be prepared for anything then when it is fine and sunny it will be even more of a surprise!

Summer daytime temperatures will range from about 10 to 20 degrees Celsius and night time wont get much colder than 5.

Evenings can be a little cooler but all many of the huts and lodges have heating.

Will I be fit enough?
You will enjoy your hike a lot more if you are well prepared. You need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack for 4-8 hours over 10-21km each day. We encourage you to set your own pace while walking the track, there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers.
The track surfaces vary from beaches, natural tracks, boardwalk, old tramlines and rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots. We recommend you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support on the more challenging tracks.
If you are not a regular walker, we suggest you begin a daily walk regime at least 6-8 weeks before your departure. Some practice carrying a pack and uphill and downhill walking during this time will make you even better prepared for your walk.

Do I need any sea kayak experience for the Stewart Island Track?
The sea kayaking is in sheltered waters in stable double sea kayaks with a certified sea kayak guide and no prior experience is required.

What do I need to carry?
Easy. Your own personal belongings.

How heavy will my backpack be?
Your pack is likely to be 6 - 10 kg.

I've heard about "sandflies"?
Yes we do have sandflies in many parts of Fiordland and Stewart Island but we will save the stories for when you get here. In the bush they are not so bad, and in cold or windy weather you are fine. However we recommend you do wear insect repellent each day.

Where can I leave my excess baggage while I'm walking?
Generally you will be able to leave any excess luggage in safe keeping at the beginning of your trip at the hotels/motels where you are staying. If you do not finish where you start we can arrange for luggage to be forwarded to your destination.

Is there somewhere secure to leave our vehicle?
Generally the hotels/motels where you are staying will store you vehicle while you are walking if you are staying on your return. We will confirm this with your accommodation. In some places we recommend taking public transport rather than leaving a vehicle in a remote area. Never leave valuables ( passport, cameras etc.) in your vehicle...it is not worth the drama.

What about our rental car / campervan?
If you would like to return your vehicle we can arrange a shuttle from the nearest depot. Sometimes on long term rental packages it is just as cheap to "hang on" to it.

Can I have a shower on the trail?
In most cases yes.

Can I wash my clothes?
Many of lodges have hand washing facilities with soap powder and drying rooms. Public DOC huts generally have a limited water supply and no separate basins so no.

I am a dairy intolerant vegan. Is this a problem?
Special dietary requirements are happily catered for. Please do let us know preferences.

Is it OK to travel by myself?
No problem. Our groups are small and by the end of the trip you will all be on first name basis.

Are there toilets on the tracks?
Many of the shelters along the tracks have toilets. Most of the lodges have flush toilets.

When is the best time of year to walk?
Depends on your interests. Most walking is done from November to April. Some of the tracks are also nice to walk in Winter. Peak periods are Christmas / New Year, Labour weekend and Easter. Some of the popular tracks are busy all summer season.
In November and December the mountain flowers are just coming out and there is still snow on the surrounding mountains. Great visuals for the keen photographers. Generally January and February are warmer – not necessarily dryer. March is more settled – fresh mornings, sunny days and crisp cooler nights. The days are getting shorter.

Is there electricity in the huts?
Guided Walk lodges are run on solar and or generator power. Public DOC huts have no power. We recommend you bring your own small torch or headlamp.