Rakiura Track
~2 days · 21.6 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Rakiura Track is known for
A gentle Great Walk loop on Stewart Island / Rakiura, linking sheltered beaches, podocarp forest and historic sawmilling sites — with kiwi often heard (and seen) after dark.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 0 ft to 591 ft over 21.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.5 mi · 30%
- Downhill 6.1 mi · 28%
- Flat 9.0 mi · 42%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Rakiura Track?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Rakiura Track scores 18/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Rakiura Track take?
Most backpackers hike the Rakiura Track in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 21.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Rakiura Track?
The Rakiura Track climbs roughly 3,258 ft total — about 151 ft per mile, topping out near 620 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.