South Coast Track

Why go

A true Fiordland backcountry classic, the South Coast Track serves up wild beaches, regenerating podocarp forest, dramatic headlands, and a heavy dose of history. Expect swing bridges, sections of beach walking, and an old timber tramway with four historic wooden viaducts. If you’re lucky, Hector’s dolphins cruise just offshore. It’s quieter than the park’s Great Walks, but also rougher and more remote—exactly the appeal for many.

Route overview

The standard east–west traverse runs one way for about 44 miles (70–72 km) from Rarakau Car Park near Tuatapere to Big River. The first leg to Port Craig is the gentlest, with well-formed track that’s fine for less experienced trampers. Highlights early include Blowholes Beach and the Port Craig milling relics with interpretive panels. From Port Craig to the Wairaurahiri, the track follows the old tramline—mostly flat travel punctuated by those photogenic viaducts. West of the Wairaurahiri toward Waitutu, the going gets boggy for much of the way before improving; from Waitutu to Big River, it feels the most remote, with arguably the best forest and overall scenery.

Difficulty and conditions

Don’t be fooled by the low elevation—this is an advanced tramping route once you’re past Port Craig. Expect deep mud, uneven, rooty tread, tide-dependent beach sections, and unbridged stream/river crossings that can be impassable after rain. It’s slow going in places and navigation includes beach route-finding. Cell coverage is limited to nonexistent. Allow 4–6 days for the full traverse (roughly 21–29 hours on foot, depending on tides and conditions). A popular shorter option is the out-and-back to Port Craig (about 20 km, ~7 hours one way).

Huts, water, and camping

Huts are spaced sensibly along the route, including Port Craig, Wairaurahiri, Waitutu, and Big River. DOC huts here are first-come, first-served—carry hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass. There’s also a private lodge at Port Craig if you want more comfort (book separately). There are no services along the track; you must be self-sufficient. Water from huts should be boiled before drinking. Campsites exist but can be scarce and damp; experienced trampers sometimes use unofficial camping near Big River.

Access and logistics

Start at Rarakau Car Park (Bluecliffs). There’s no public transport to the trailhead—most people drive or hitchhike. Several sections are tide-affected; plan your day around the coast windows. Download offline topo maps/GPS data ahead of time and check current advisories on the Department of Conservation track page. If you want to extend your mission, this route can link with the Hump Ridge Track or the Teal Bay–South Coast Track.

Best time to hike

November through March offers the best odds for milder temperatures and (slightly) less rain, but Fiordland is wet year-round—pack for mud and storms any month. Winter (April–October) is colder, wetter, and slower; reserve that for experienced trampers comfortable with challenging conditions and short daylight. Crowds are rarely an issue here; you’re more likely to be timing your day to the tides than to other people.