Rakeahua Hut Water Taxi

Make your way to or from Rakaeahua River!

Duration 30-45 minutes each way

Get your water-taxi to or from Rakeahua- the tide dependant hut on the Southern Circuit. This trip allows you to shorten your multi-day walk by up to two days. We can also customise a scenic tour of Rakeahua River.

Departures (from Golden Bay) – approximately 1-2 hours before high tide. Departures (from Rakeahua River ) approximately at 1 hour before the top of the high tide or at high tide. Tide tabling for these rivers are based on Bluff tide times.

Please call to book if there are no online options available for your dates. Please Note We have made a generalised time slot for this item which does not necessarily correlate with the time-tidetable which governs when we can go to and from this destination.

Book your Water Taxi to Rakeahua Hut!

Rakeahua River Hut Water-Taxi – FAQs | Rakiura Adventure

Rakeahua River Hut Water-Taxi and Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your Rakeahua River Hut transfer, Stewart Island/Rakiura.

How long is the water-taxi and tour?

This transfer to Rakeahua Hut is 30–40 minutes each way. If you are joining us for the complete tour (return trip), including a 10–20 minute break, the total tour time is approximately 1.25 hours. Access to this river is dependent on high tide — we cannot make the tour too long to ensure we do not get stuck on the tidal mudflats.

What huts does Rakeahua Hut connect to?

Rakeahua Hut connects to:

Fred's Camp Hut — Southern Circuit
Doughboy Hut — Southern Circuit

What will I see on the tour?

You will see the vastness of the Paterson Inlet before entering the Rakeahua River. The river itself is spectacular — with winding corners and Manuka and Rimu-clad riverbanks, it is an experience quite different from any other tour on Stewart Island. Sometimes we also encounter sealions, black swans, kingfishers, and more!

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes — this tour must be booked in advance as the times to access the river change daily in line with the height of the high tides. If you cannot find the times online, you can call or email us at any time.

How much does it cost?

Discounted fares increase as group sizes increase:

1–2 adults — $110 per person
3–4 adults — $85 per person
5–7 adults — $75 per person
8–9 adults — $65 per person

Are children welcome on this tour?

We welcome children to join with an accompanied adult. This tour is great for children — there is a chance for them to stretch their legs on land halfway through the tour at the top of the river. There is also a small track to the hut which is well worth doing.

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.

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