So this past weekend was one of the highlights of New Zealand thus far. 3 of us decided to "tramp" (or hike as we call it) the Rakiura track located on Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Stewart Island is a small island just 30 km south of the South Island of New Zealand, across the Fouveaux Strait. Home to only about 300 permanent residents it is an isolated island with one of the most beautiful national forests in the world.
The Rakiura National Park was opened in 2002. The Rakiura Track is a 36 km circuit which takes 3 days to hike. The Rakiura track has been named one of New Zealand's "Great Walks" which basically means it is known as one of the premier hiking trails with better hut systems than some of the others.
We were blessed all weekend with spectacular weather!! Absolutely ZERO rain which is almost unheard of on Stewart Island. Day 1 walked near the shoreline with several views of spectacular beaches followed by a day in the Bush on our way to our 2nd Hut. Day 3 continued through Bush and back to our starting point!
This hike is labeled as an "easy" hike suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. I am not in Olympic condition by any means, but one would think I maintain at least a moderate level of fitness and I could barely walk at the end of day 3!!
Once we finished our hike, we made a quick side trip over to Ulva Island which has become a New Zealand bird sanctuary for many rare and endangered bird and plant species.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, in some of them i may look extremely tired and DIRTY after 3 days without a shower! My pack weighed about 25 lbs to start loaded with noodles and granola and trail mix and of course, SNICKERS!! I mean seriously...they have nuts!! Protein!
Time to rest the legs a bit before the next adventure and should probably work on that PhD thing as well!
Cheers!
lexie
Patterson Inlet - Starting Point!!
Rakiura National Park
Hiking Day 1!
Lexie and Emily stop for a picture Day 1!
YAY!! Hut #1 - Time for a rest! - Port William Hut
Crazy hiking trail Day #2
Crazy Swing Bridge - made of fence!
Thank Goodness!! Hut #2 - My legs are dying!
View from Hut 2 - North Arm Hut
Looking sleepy! :)
We made it! Barely standing!!
Family, oops I mean group Photo!
Views from Ulva Island
Last of Ulva Island!
