With 85 percent of its land within the boundaries of Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island is awash with pristine ecosystems and outdoor activities. From hiking and birdwatching to wild kiwi encounters and sunset cruises, Stewart Island is a pristine natural getaway across the Foveaux Strait.
Things to do in Stewart Island
Raikiura National Park has about 28 kilometres of walking tracks, including the three-day Rakiura Track that curves through unaltered ecosystems and habitats. From freshwater wetlands to sand dunes, coastal rainforests and granite mountains, the wild beauty of the island is on full display.
When visiting Stewart Island, you’ll want to stay awake to discover why it’s called “The Land of Glowing Skies”. After a spectacular sunset, the sky erupts with the Aurora Australis Southern Lights. Snag a quiet spot inside a Department of Conservation hut to enjoy a nature-fuelled concert by nocturnal birds, including weka, ruru owls and kiwi.
To spot Southern Brown Kiwi birds up close, take a sunset cruise over Paterson Inlet to reach Little Glory Cove. It’s one of the few places in the world to see this species as they scour the beach for food. You can also take a water taxi to Ulva Island, sometimes referred to as Te Wharawhare, to see native birds living in wild stands of rimu, totara and miro trees.
Stop by Rakiura Museum to view historic photographs of the island as well as Maori artefacts and early whaling and fishing gear. You’ll also find a vast collection of shells, rocks and crustacea from the island.
Getting around Stewart Island
You can travel to Stewart Island on a one-hour ferry from Bluff or by air from Invercargill Airport. Taxis, rentals cars, shuttles and minibuses offer transportation after arrival.