Coast to Coast Adventure

Experience the remote beauty of Stewart Island’s North-West Circuit with the flexibility to stay overnight at Mason Bay.

The Stewart Island Coast to Coast is one of Stewart Island Flights’ and Rakiura Charter’s most popular and unique trips. Appealing to any traveller who is up for a taste of New Zealand in its natural untouched state, the Coast to Coast is a gentle sample of the island’s more rigorous North-West Circuit.

To make a booking, please fill in the enquiry form or call our friendly booking team.

Trip Highlights:

• Fly to Mason Bay with spectacular ocean views of Paterson Inlet
• Experience a beach landing
• Choose to stay overnight at Mason Bay Hut (DOC)
• Experience a 4 hour walk on Stewart Island’s North-West Circuit
• Cross through diverse landscapes – dunes, wetlands, scrub & native rainforest
• Cross the boardwalk over Chocolate Swamp
• Look out for the Stewart Island Kiwi
• Take a scenic boat trip from Freshwater River to Golden Bay
• Option to stay overnight at Freshwater Hut (book with DOC)

Full Trip Information:

Trampers can take in spectacular aerial views of Paterson Inlet and Mason Bay before an exciting beach landing – definitely a one-of-a-kind experience! The walk between Mason Bay and the Freshwater Hut is an invigorating four hours on mostly flat tracks, including a stretch of boardwalk over the island’s Chocolate Swamp.

The track features ever-changing vistas as it crosses diverse landscapes, from dunes to wetlands, scrub to rainforest. From Freshwater, trampers enjoy a scenic boat trip with Rakiura Water Taxis along the meandering Freshwater River, crossing Paterson Inlet to Golden Bay.

Alternatively the trip can be made in reverse, from Golden Bay through to Mason Bay, flying from the beach back to Oban to gain an aerial perspective of the track while the memories are still fresh. Flights directly linking Mason Bay and Invercargill are also possible.

​A number of options are available, including overnight stays at either the Mason Bay or Freshwater Department of Conservation huts. This allows for the increased opportunity of spotting New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural environment.

​The Coast to Coast is a trip to remember, whether it is completed as a day trip or a three-day holiday.

Tidal, please contact us for departure times. 1-3 Days.

$295 per adult
$180 per child
Min. fares apply
Includes flight from either Invercargill or Stewart Island to Mason Bay, and water taxi from Freshwater River to Golden Bay. Does not include Department of Conservation (DOC) Hut/ Track Pass.

Notes for your Coast to Coast Adventure

• You will need to be fully self sufficient for your trip, including warm wet weather clothing, adequate footwear, cooking equipment
• Trips are weather and tide dependent
• Seasonal weather will affect the condition of the track. We recommend you discuss your trip with the local Department of Conservation staff before setting out, especially if you intend on extending your hike beyond the Mason Bay to Freshwater track
• Average level of fitness required