Southern Circuit

Submitted by Kate McDowell on Wed, 09/23/2026 - 03:08pm
Description

The Southern Circuit on Rakiura / Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s most remote and challenging backcountry tracks. Normally promoted as a multi-day tramp, the full circuit can also be completed as a single push. The route travels through deep peat bogs, podocarp forest, exposed sub-alpine terrain, remote beaches and large wetland areas.

Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy on John Muir Trail via Whitney Portal (CA)

Hey all! Supported FKT on the JMT on 9/20. Still waiting on last minute permits, but I have one for 9/21 if it comes to that.

Tracking can be found below. Hope to go after Francois' time but Antoine is also out on trail a day ahead so we will see what happens.

I have a great crew/pacer team (including Caro who set the unsupported female FKT this summer!) coming in at Kearsarge, Taboose, Bishop, VVR, Mammoth Pass, and Tuolumne. Can't wait for round 3 on a JMT FKT, this time NOBO and this time supported.