Rakiura / Stewart Island

New Zealand is a country with so many possibilities that sometimes you don't really know what to do and who to throw your money at.

We, that is Marie, Annika, Lilli (two friends from Berlin) and I, have decided to spend a part of our hard-earned money on the third largest island in New Zealand, Rakiura or Stewart Island.

Since the beginning of our trip, I have been fascinated with this very natural island, so it was fitting that one of the 9 Great Walks is located there.

To explain it briefly: The Great Walks in New Zealand are hikes that can be conquered with little hiking experience and a basic level of fitness.

From 10.02 to 12.02 we set out to explore a small part of Stewart Island.

Thanks to our immeasurable hiking experience, we set off with far too much luggage early in the morning of the 10th and made our way to the ferry to cross the Foveaux Strait.

Upon arrival and after obtaining our hut tickets, we immediately set off into the jungle that covers almost the entire island. The circular route stretches over 39km and leads over asphalt, gravel, earth, countless roots, and mud. With our initial 7/8 kg heavy luggage, this was sometimes exhausting for us. Fortunately, much of it could be minimized as most of it was food.

After these three days, we have sweated a lot and probably left behind some body fat, but all the effort should pay off in the end.

The path through the forest or along the coast was almost picturesque.

We were able to enjoy untouched bays with the finest sandy beaches, the peace and fresh air of the forest, and take a glimpse into the natural life of the island.

Of course, I don't want to neglect the efforts that we as beginners in the New Zealand hiking scene all had to struggle with.

After steep ascents and descents, fought through muddy sections, or small meal breaks, we each ended the day in the huts, which were more modern and comfortable than we initially thought.

Unfortunately, the snoring of another hiker robbed some of us of important hours of sleep, but the next day we had to keep going.

Despite all the obstacles, we all stored the hike at the end as an important experience and a bonding event, and there are even plans for a new adventure of this kind. Let's hope we actually follow through with it.