Fern Gully - Rakiura National Park

GOLDEN BAY TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Map Data: Google, Digital Globe, Department of Conservation (DOC).
An easy 2 hours return walk.

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below to explore this walk.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
The walk to Fern Gully begins here - at the Department of Conservation's Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
We head uphill up the Main Road.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
It's an easy 2km walk to the start of the Fern Gully Track, which takes us past charming Stewart Island residences - many of which show distinct signs of the island lifestyle.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
One of the first impressions we get as visitors to this unique place is the birdlife, which is very different to the NZ mainland (the South Island). Here we hear and see plenty of Kaka and Kakariki - a rarity on the mainland.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
We veer right here and continue along Main Road. Well, we have no choice really as the road to the airstrip (on the left) is a private road.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
And then we come to this stunning example of island life. A veritable treasure trove of old Land Rover and Toyota Hilux parts...

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
...And a sign that says it all so beautifully. This sign should replace the "Oban" sign at the waterfront (just for a laugh).

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
We carry on to the left along Main Road to the end.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Soon we come to the Fern Gully Carpark...

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
...And the start of the Fern Gully Track.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Uh-oh... A warning sign. This is just to say that we will probably encounter mud and that mud may well be slippery.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
The track is not really all that muddy - at least not when we walked it in late Autumn.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Generally speaking, the walk is wide and easy. It follows an old sawmilling track.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Here the track crosses Mill Creek, which it follows for most of the rest of the walk.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
There are many gorgeous spots along this walk.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
This was the muddiest section of the track. Nothing to worry about...

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
The overall trend of the terrain is a gentle climb.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
And now we come to the clearing. This was one of the places Stewart Island residents considered hiding their children if Stewart Island had been invaded during the Second World War.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
This is the end of the Fern Gully Track. Go no further - unless it is to that seat we can see in the distance.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Nice. The perfect spot to sit and contemplate an easy walk back.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Fern Gully clearing.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Taking it all in... There's not that much to take in really.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Heading back down the Fern Gully Track.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Gorgeous little river scene.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Here we are back at the warning sign. There wasn't much mud at all really.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Nearly back at the carpark.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Fern Gully carpark and an example of the seriously funky concrete and paua shell outdoor furniture which is dotted around the walks of Rakiura.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Now we head back down the Main Road into Oban.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
More charming examples of island style.

FERN GULLY - Rakiura National Park
Approaching downtown Oban.