Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Sealed Road
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.5%
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6:30
Slow
5:00
Moderate
3:20
Fast
The Great walk is a pleasant run. The circuit follows open coastline, crosses forested interior and meanders along the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. It passes sites of historical interest and introduces many of the common sea and forest birds of the island. Parts of it cross Maori land and access is courtesy of the owners. If running at night you might be able to sight a kiwi! Stewart Island is a must see and this is a great way to catch the sites in one day. The track can also be walked in one day. You can run to the start of the true track at Lee Bay, but you can also catch a shuttle. It's a nice run along the road, with nice beaches and scenery. Getting a shuttle cuts off 5km of the run.
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You can run to the start of the true track at Lee Bay, but you can also catch a shuttle. It's a nice run along the road, with nice beaches and scenery. Getting a shuttle cuts off 5km of the run.
0 km
0 minutes
Unknown
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Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Only one main water stop which is post halfway so I'd recommend taking a good amount
Pretty muddy after rain, and the boat ride is often choppy.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rakiura Track
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Fun run in the bush with some good views and nice beaches. Bit boggy in places...
January 24, 2023
A very nice run even in the drizzly rain and overcast skies on the day I did it. I went anti clockwise starting from Oban and glad I did as I got the coastal scenery earlier in the run when I was fresher and not on a mission to finish. It was VERY muddy and I am very glad I brought my UD gaiters with me and wore my grippy Sportiva Akasha. A few times it was past my ankles. DOC staff in Oban advised against drinking any stream water so be sure to pack plenty. You will only hit North Arm Hut and can get water there but needs to be boiled. Thankfully it was overcast and about 12C on my run and the 1.5L I took was plenty. No luck on seeing any sea lions or kiwis. Just a few deer on a beach and at North Arm hut. Glad to have knocked over another Great Walk.
January 3, 2021
Glorious run. Lots of unexpected surprises. The run here should run clockwise to match the race.
December 19, 2019
This has everything. Scenery, varied terrain mud and all sorts of fun. 1000m of vert even tho the highest point is 186m, nothing much is flat! Trail running heaven
October 29, 2018