The coastal Podocarp forest were spectacular on the North West Circuit
Day 1 - Freshwater Hut to Mason Bay Hut, 15.1km, 3-4hrs |
An 8 day, 100-120km tramp around the northern coastline of Stewart Island (Rakiura) by-passing the Oban to Freshwater Hut sections. Fabulous white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, rugged rocky islands/headlands, pristine podocarp forests, prolific birdlife - this track has it all!! Add a great backcountry hut network providing shelter after 5-8 hours tramping each day and you have a trip of a lifetime. The mud, tree roots and constant gully traversing does add an edge to the trip, sometimes a very tedious one. However if you strike the right weather window you won't regret travelling to the bottom of New Zealand and giving it a go.
