TIWAI POINT WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Port William to Maori Beach: A half‑day hike along the Rakiura Track
A guided 10 km, 3–4 hour coastal and native‑bush hike that begins with a 30‑minute water taxi from Halfmoon Bay Wharf and finishes at Lee Bay — a focused guide for hikers who can manage stairs, rock‑hopping and uneven ground.
Port William to Maori Beach: A half‑day hike along the Rakiura Track.
Adventure brief
Port William to Maori Beach: A half‑day hike along the Rakiura Track
Set on the southern reaches of Stewart Island/Rakiura, the Port William / Maori Beach guided hike with Beaks & Feathers is a half‑day section of the Rakiura Track that pairs a short coastal water taxi with a substantive 10 km hike through native bush and shoreline. Expect steps, rock‑hopping and sweeping coastal viewpoints as you move from the Port William jetty to Lee Bay under guided support.
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.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops and transitions along the guided Port William → Maori Beach → Lee Bay route.
Halfmoon Bay Wharf (meeting)
Meet the guide at Halfmoon Bay Wharf shortly before departure, then board the water taxi for the 30‑minute crossing to Port William.
Port William jetty (start of hike)
Disembark at Port William and begin the 10 km inland/coastal hike along the Rakiura Track toward Maori Beach and Lee Bay.
Maori Beach (midpoint)
Pass through Maori Beach — a named waypoint on the route between Port William and Lee Bay — with opportunities for short rests and photos.
Lee Bay (finish and shuttle)
The hike finishes at Lee Bay where a shuttle meets the group to return participants to Halfmoon Bay.
A good level of fitness is essential: guests must be able to walk unassisted for at least four hours and manage uneven ground, many steps and some rock‑hopping.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A true section of the Rakiura Track
This hike follows day one of the Rakiura Track: a roughly 10 km route that combines coastal walking and native bush, taking hikers from Port William toward Lee Bay with stops for photos and rest along the way.
A short water taxi start
The experience begins with a scenic water taxi ride from Halfmoon Bay to Port William, delivering a dramatic coastal approach before the hike proper.
Steps, rock‑hopping and varied trail
The trail is clearly a hike rather than a stroll: expect many steps, uneven ground and occasional rock‑hopping as you move between beaches and bush sections.
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
The outing moves with intent: meet at Halfmoon Bay Wharf, cross the water by taxi to Port William, then set off for a sustained 3–4 hour hike along the Rakiura Track toward Lee Bay. The guided group pauses for photos, snacks and short rests, negotiating steps and rocky shore sections before meeting a shuttle at Lee Bay for the return.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear sturdy walking shoes and active wear; bring layered clothing, a small daypack, snacks, water and sun/rain protection as appropriate.
Plan for a 3–4 hour outing for the hike portion; the full activity includes the water taxi and shuttle logistics.
Meet at Halfmoon Bay Wharf prior to departure for boarding the water taxi to Port William.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike and how much time should I expect to set aside?
The guided section covers roughly 10 km and the hike portion takes about 3–4 hours; include additional time for the water taxi and shuttle transfers.
Where do I meet for this trip?
You meet the guide at Halfmoon Bay Wharf prior to boarding the water taxi to Port William.
Is this hike suitable for children or older participants?
The tour is suitable for families but requires a good level of fitness; participants must be able to walk unassisted for at least four hours and handle uneven ground and many steps.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring sturdy walking shoes and active wear; dress in layers and carry water, snacks and sun/rain protection.
How does the trip begin and end?
The trip begins with a 30‑minute water taxi from Halfmoon Bay to Port William, a guided hike of about 10 km to Lee Bay, and concludes with a shuttle pick‑up at Lee Bay to return to Halfmoon Bay.
Who operates the hike?
The guided Port William / Maori Beach hike is operated by Beaks & Feathers.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:13:49.319Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.