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Experience New Zealand’s wild southern coast on the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike—a 10km trek on Stewart Island’s Rakiura Track featuring coastal views, native bush, and expert guides.
Experience New Zealand’s wild southern coast on the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike—a 10km trek on Stewart Island’s Rakiura Track featuring coastal views, native bush, and expert guides.
Book with Beaks and Feathers
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Beaks and Feathers · Tiwai Point, Southland
Located on Rakiura (Stewart Island), New Zealand’s southernmost island, the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike offers an invigorating immersion in one of the country’s most unspoiled coastal wilderness areas. This half-day trek covers roughly 10 kilometers along the first segment of the celebrated Rakiura Track, a Great Walk renowned for its rugged beauty and native bush. The journey begins with a scenic 30-minute water taxi ride from Halfmoon Bay Wharf to Port William, setting the tone with panoramic coastal views and fresh ocean air.
From Port William, hikers lace up for a moderately challenging route defined by rocky steps, uneven terrain, and some rock hopping, weaving through dense native bush and along sparkling shorelines. Maori Beach, a highlight en route to Lee Bay, is a serene spot where the lush forest meets the clear waters of Paterson Inlet, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to pause and absorb the tranquility.
Beaks & Feathers’ experienced local guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary about the unique flora and fauna of Stewart Island. Keep an eye out for native bird species such as the iconic Stewart Island brown kiwi and cheeky tui, both emblematic of the island's rich avian diversity. The landscape reveals a botanical mix of southern rata, kamahi, and dense fuchsia, emblematic of this temperate rainforest environment.
This trek is not a casual bushwalk; it demands a good fitness level, with hikers expected to manage uneven ground and sustained walking for 3 to 4 hours. The trail's natural ruggedness and changing coastal elevations make the hike a rewarding adventure for those eager to embrace wilderness without the crowds of New Zealand’s more frequented tracks.
At the end of the hike, a shuttle from Lee Bay returns you to Halfmoon Bay, completing a seamless journey spanning land and sea. This combination of water taxi, guided hike, and shuttle service showcases how Beaks & Feathers has integrated local knowledge to create a unique adventure that represents Stewart Island’s remote charm.
Stewart Island itself was designated a national park in 2002, reinforcing conservation efforts to protect its pristine environment and the delicate balance of its ecosystems. By choosing this guided tour, visitors contribute to sustainable tourism practices that help preserve this ecological treasure.
Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, families, or nature enthusiasts, the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike delivers a vivid encounter with New Zealand’s wild southern coast that’s both challenging and accessible. Whether you’re trekking among towering trees, capturing the glow of golden hour on the water, or spotting rare birds, this hike is a standout experience that deepens appreciation for one of the world’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
moderate.
3-4 hours.
You should be in good physical shape, able to walk unassisted on uneven ground for several hours.
This hike is moderately challenging; hikers should have a good fitness level and be comfortable on uneven terrain for 3-4 hours.
You can spot native birds like the Stewart Island brown kiwi and tui, especially if you keep quiet and observe carefully.
You should bring your own snacks and water; meals are not included in the tour.
The tour meets at Halfmoon Bay Wharf, accessible by local transport or driving to Stewart Island’s main settlement.
This hike requires walking on uneven ground and some rock hopping, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility limitations.
Tours operate in varied weather, but guides monitor conditions and may reschedule for safety reasons.
Rakiura Track is part of New Zealand’s Great Walks and was designated as a national park in 2002, highlighting conservation efforts on Stewart Island.
Beaks & Feathers holds a Department of Conservation concession promoting sustainable tourism that minimizes ecological impact on native habitats.
Beaks and Feathers is a nature-guiding company based in Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura in the Southland Region of New Zealand. The operator specialises in small-group wildlife experiences focused on native birds and marine life. Offerings include guided walks on Ulva Island, combined land-and-sea tours with a water taxi, night-time Kiwi Spotting on private land, and half-day guided hikes to Port William and Maori Beach along the Rakiura Track. Guides are local and interpretive, providing information on bird identification, habitat, conservation and safe visitor practices. Beaks and Feathers operates within predator-free environments on Ulva Island and coordinates water taxi transfers where required. Safety briefings and guided support are provided for coastal hikes and rock-hopping sections. The company emphasises responsible wildlife viewing, minimal disturbance, and adherence to local conservation rules to protect rare and endangered species. Booking options accommodate small groups to maximize viewing opportunities and minimize ecological impact. Meeting points and trip durations vary by experience; the Ulva Island Guided Walk is a 3.5-hour guided walk, while the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike is a half-day 10km adventure including steps and rock hopping. Kiwi Spotting is conducted at night with exclusive access to private land for a higher chance of sightings. By focusing on local knowledge, predator-free sites and guided support, Beaks and Feathers delivers credible, factual wildlife experiences for visitors seeking birdwatching, nature photography and immersive coastal hikes. Tours emphasize biosecurity, clear communication, and respect for cultural sites, offering memorable, educational encounters with Stewart Island wildlife and conservation.
Book with Beaks and Feathers