Port William Hut Water Taxi

Make your way to or from Port William Hut on the Great Walkwith ease on our water-taxi.

Duration: 30 minutes each way

Port William is part of the Great Walk on Stewart Island - Rakiura. This trip provides you the chance to either shorten your multi-day walk or let you do part of it as a comfortable day-walk.

We can also do pack transfers, please call direct for these. We can customise departure or return times beyond what is offered on the online calendar, please call us for additional times.

Departure is typically from Golden Bay Wharf Return from Port William is approximately 30 minutes after departing from Golden Bay Wharf Please be at either location 10 minutes prior to departure time.

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Port William Water-Taxi – FAQs | Rakiura Adventure

Port William Water-Taxi

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your Great Walk hut drop-off, pick-up, or day-walk, Stewart Island/Rakiura.

How do I get to/from Port William?

We offer a dedicated water-taxi service. This transfer takes approximately 25 minutes each way and follows the coastline to/from Port William. Points of interest along the way include the halfway point (Māori Beach) and where the road meets the track (Lee Bay). We land at a wharf at Port William so there are no wet feet. You can book online or call us if you need specialised times.

How long is the walk from Port William to the village?

Approximately 3–4 hours from the drop-off point all the way back to the village, or vice versa. The track is very well marked and easy to follow. Locals will tell you to take your time — there are plenty of stunning views and picturesque spots to rest, and most people complete the walk quicker than anticipated.

Are the tracks very muddy?

Of all the tracks on Stewart Island, this one is considered one of the least muddy. There may be some parts that are a little muddy after heavy rain, but normally nothing that feels impassable. Our team can give you an up-to-date report on track conditions.

Do I need to book the water-taxi in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended. Typically, water-taxi trips to Port William depart in the morning — this gives you plenty of time for the walk. We can also customise times to suit you.

How much does it cost?

Discounted fares increase as group sizes increase:

1–2 adults — $90 per person
3–4 adults — $75 per person
5–7 adults — $65 per person
8–9 adults — $60 per person

What happens if the weather is bad?

If we deem the weather conditions or forecast to be dangerous, we will cancel the booking and you will receive a full refund. Please note, Stewart Island does receive a lot of rain and wind at times — be sure to bring clothing for all conditions. We can provide up-to-date forecasts to help you make informed decisions.

Is there a way to make it a shorter walk?

Absolutely! Subject to weather, we can also offer a drop-off to the halfway point (Māori Beach) — this lets you experience one of our exceptionally beautiful beaches and a manageable portion of the track. Once you arrive at Lee Bay (where the road begins as the track finishes), you can either catch a land-taxi (Aurora Cab Co.) back to the village, or have an E-Bike waiting for you. We're happy to help you set up any of the above options to make the walk just right for you.

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