RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
An easy 4 hour loop walk.
Map Data: Google, Digital Globe, Department of Conservation (DOC).

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The walk to Ryans Creek Track begins here - at the Department of Conservation's Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre in Oban.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We head uphill up the Main Road.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
It's an easy 2km walk to the start of the Ryans Creek Track, which takes us past charming Stewart Island residences - many of which show distinct signs of the island lifestyle.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - 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.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - 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.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - 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...

RYANS CREEK TRACK - 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).

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We carry on to the left along Main Road to the end.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Soon we come to the Fern Gully Carpark...

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
This is the start of the Ryans Creek Track - and it is also the end of the Rakiura Track.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
We follow the Ryans Creek Track to the left. On the right is the Rakiura Track. Some people walk the Ryans Creek Track as an extension of the Rakiura Track.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The track brings us to this picnic area beside Ryans Creek.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
A glimpse of Ryans Creek.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Continuing along the track.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Another glimpse of Ryans Creek.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Ryans Creek.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Mud! This is what Rakiura is supposedly famous for. You don't see much mud really if you just do the day walks.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Vaila Voe Bay.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
Vaila Voe Bay.

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park

RYANS CREEK TRACK - Rakiura National Park
The Ryans Creek Track finishes here, at Thule Bay.