Rakiura Track: North Arm Hut

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Views

This section of the Rakiura Great Walk stretches from Kapipi Point Road to the North Arm Hut. From the end of Kapipi Point Road, the track heads immediately into what feels like a jungle of ferns and dense, green forest. The start of the track is wide and well-maintained with crushed rocks to keep some of the characteristic Stewart Island mud at bay.

The trail winds gradually along the headland of North Arm, passing by Kapipi Bay and Prices Inlet where you'll get glimpses through the trees of the clear water and the shores across the inlet. The track continues through dense woods of primarily Rimu and Kāmahi trees interspersed with moss and ferns. Keep an eye open for the remnant of the mills that used to operate in the area.

The trail then turns north, passing the tidal mud flats of Sawdust Bay, where you might spot wading birds, such as oystercatchers, at low tide. You can access the water at Sawdust Bay, making it a nice spot to stop for a break or snack. From here, the trail continues winding along the coastline until coming, first to the North Arm campsite and finally ending at the North Arm Hut.

Many native birds including tuī, fantails, wood pigeons, parakeets, possibly little blue penguins, and if you are really lucky, the elusive kiwi. Rimu, kamahi, ferns, and rata.