Access
Boat transport is available to parts of the track on Paterson Inlet and the eastern coast, while a float plane services Mason Bay.
Summary
Never far from the coastline, the North West Circuit describes an arc about the northern granite landscape of Stewart Island. The low altitude of the track and the mild climate of the island make this a good winter choice, although the track may be muddier and the days are short. Brown kiwi may be spotted commonly amongst the spectacular sand dunes of Mason Bay. The Stewart Island subspecies is distinguished by its habit of appearing during the day. Many walkers on the Rakiura Track cross to Mason Bay just to spot kiwi. From the bay, the track turns inland over a particularly muddy section, crossing swamp surrounding the Freshwater River and linking up with the Rakiura Track. Side trips lead onto Mount Anglem (980m, the highest point on the island) and Rocky Mountain (549m).
