Stewart Island, additionally referred to as Rakiura, is a volcanic island located in the southern part of New Zealand. As the third largest island in New Zealand, Stewart Island lies just 32 kilometers from the South Island, spanning the Foveaux Strait. Before being occupied by means of the British in 1864, it was called "Rakiura" by means of the Māori people.
Covering a place of 1,375 square kilometers, Stewart Island is mainly mountainous with dense forests, distinct as a countrywide scenic reserve. It is a famous tourist vacation spot in the summer season, recognized for its developed fishing enterprise, in particular, oysters. The population is sparse, with the 2018 census displaying a permanent populace of 408 human beings especially worried about fishing. The crucial towns are Oban on the northeast coast and Halfmoon Bay (sometimes known as Oban as nicely) on the southwest corner.
Stewart Island is renowned for its wine production, with its name translating to "colorful sky" in Māori. This name possibly refers back to the dawn mild, an herbal phenomenon frequently seen in the southern sky. Eighty-five percent of the island is a national park with residential regions, in particular, determined in Halfmoon Bay, which provides numerous lodges. Most traffic comes for hiking, with traditional and ancient huts supplying overnight stays for hikers, and Ulva Island, a sanctuary for non-predatory birds, is without problems available by means of water shipping.
Stewart Island Map
| Name | Stewart Island (Māori: Rakiura) |
| Country | New Zealand |
| District | Southland District |
| Coordinates | 47°00′S 167°50′E |
| Area | 1,747.72 km2 (674.80 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 |
| Population | 450 (June 2023) |
| Airport | Ryan's Creek Aerodrome |
Why Go to Stewart Island?
- The island is home to 13,500 kiwi birds, which is more than 33 times the human population. Visitors to Stewart Island have a good chance of encountering these birds even during the daytime.
- Eighty-five percent of the island's area is a national park that offers numerous fantastic hiking trails.
- It boasts serene beaches where you can feel like you have the whole place to yourself!
- The wildlife here is incredibly friendly towards humans!
Stewart Island History
Centuries before European immigrants arrived, Stewart Island became a bountiful land inhabited by way of Māori tribes. Besides seafood, it yielded a unique natural gift—tītī, or muttonbird, which remains popular these days.
Originally named "Te Punga O Te Waka a Maui," which means "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe," Stewart Island became believed in Māori legend to be the anchor stone of Māui's canoe, with the South Island because the canoe and the North Island because the fish caught while Māui dropped anchor right here.
The Māori additionally stated the island as Rakiura, meaning "Land of Glowing Skies," probably alluding to the colorful dawns and sunsets or the surprising Southern Lights.
In the 19th century, a variety of European settlers, sealers, missionaries, miners, and colonists stepped foot on Māori land. Later, loggers, street developers, and fishermen observed suit. The ultimate giant wave of immigration occurred in the Nineteen Twenties when a collection of Norwegian whalers arrived. Many selected to settle ultimately, adding a colorful cultural range to Rakiura. Some of the early Norwegian whalers' homes, with their distinctive Nordic alpine architectural fashion, are nonetheless inhabited nowadays, contributing to the island's unique man or woman.
Initially, there have been several settlements at the seashores of Paterson Inlet, Halfmoon Bay, and Horseshoe Bay, as well as at Port William and Port Pegasus. Today, the population is focused within the city of Halfmoon Bay (additionally referred to as Oban), and the point of interest of neighborhood industry has shifted from pioneering to environmental conservation.
Things to Do on Stewart Island/Rakiura
Hiking in Rakiura National Park
In 2002, the established order of Rakiura National Park on the island officially identified the special significance of its flora and fauna. Covering 157,000 hectares, the park encompasses a maximum of the island's land. Various species thrive in the pristine surroundings of Stewart Island. Ancient podocarp forests blanket the small island, with towering rimu, karahi, and miro trees adorned with ferns and vines under. Granite outcrops emerge, evolving into artistic formations through the years.
The island's environment and wildlife make it a utopia for hikers. With a complete length of 240 kilometers, Stewart Island offers trails ranging from short walks that can be completed in 10 minutes to adventurous journeys taking up to 12 days to traverse the island's depths.
The 36-kilometer Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks, requiring three days to complete. Along the way, site visitors are handled to breathtaking surroundings, including open coastlines, three hundred-meter-excessive forested mountains, and the sheltered beaches of Paterson Inlet, where various historical sites and considerable birdlife may be located.
Stewart Island boasts New Zealand's most significant and most diverse fowl populace. Visitors can appreciate the captivating plumage of kaka and kakapo and pleasure in the melodious songs of tui and bellbirds. Birdwatchers flock to the island to study and have a look at seabirds which includes albatrosses, petrels, shags, and gulls soaring inside the sky. At the same time, blue penguins and the uncommon yellow-eyed penguins inhabit the land.
Stewart Island is one of the few places in which human beings can observe kiwi birds in their natural habitat. For visitors who have yet to come across any of the island's 20,000 kiwis, an adventure to Stewart Island offers them a danger for a close come upon with this countrywide emblem once more.
Cruise Paterson Inlet
During the cruise close to Paterson Inlet, you may relax on the contemporary vessel and soak inside the picturesque coastal scenery. The cruise will show off the exceptional splendor of Paterson Inlet, where you may marvel at hidden caves and herbal seashores.
Situated within Paterson Inlet is the famous wildlife sanctuary, Ulva Island, where we can go to take a stroll. Ulva Island is home to local species, including the South Island saddleback, brown creeper, rare saddleback, and canary. It is also a natural reserve for some of New Zealand's rarest plant species. You might also even come upon a curious South Island saddleback at the seashore.
Kiwi Spotting
New Zealanders affectionately check with themselves as "Kiwis." However, most New Zealanders have never had the opportunity to look at an animal of the same name, not to mention in the wild. If you are not lucky enough to identify a Stewart Island tokoeka (brown kiwi) while strolling alongside the Rakiura Track, you might take into account joining a Kiwi-recognizing tour.
Departing after dark, the tour will take you to local famous kiwi habitats, wherein you will quietly search for these particular birds and concentrate on their specific calls. The fulfillment charge for spotting kiwi could be very excessive, making it a pleasant manner to find out about the characteristics, conduct, and habitat of these unique birds and take a look at their herbal environment.
If you are embarking on a trekking adventure in New Zealand, we strongly recommend becoming a member of a Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter while on Stewart Island.
Stargazing in the Dark Sky Sanctuary
Stewart Island is the most recent Dark Sky Sanctuary, which the International Dark Sky Association presented. This designation acknowledges the incredible night sky presence of Rakiura, a way far from an extensive civilization or mild pollution.
While the Southern Lights won't be as famous as their opposite numbers in the Northern Hemisphere, their class is not any much less stunning. It is this spectacle within the nighttime sky that gave Rakiura its call, which is interpreted as a "glowing sky." Enjoying and experiencing the Dark Sky Sanctuary is as simple as stepping out of doors on a clear night and searching up!
Embarking on a nocturnal kiwi spotting excursion is a beautiful way to combine those two features of Stewart Island. After darkish, you can spend several hours outdoors surrounded by the aid of fantastic native bush, watching our unique little kiwi birds and marveling at the superb Milky Way and Southern Lights.
How to Get to Stewart Island/Rakiura?
There are alternatives for traveling between the South Island of New Zealand and Stewart Island: ferry and aircraft.
Ferry Prices (Bluff - Stewart Island):
- Adult: NZ$85 (one manner) NZ$148 (round trip)
- Child: NZ$43 (one way) NZ$74 (round trip)
Plane Round Trip (Invercargill - Stewart Island(Oban)):
Stewart Island Flights function three flights every day between Invercargill Airport and Ryan's Creek Airport on Stewart Island, with additional flights scheduled frequently during the summer season (October to the cease of April).
Additionally, Stewart Island Flights provides sightseeing flights between Stewart Island and the Southland Region.
Stewart Island Tours and Activities
Visiting Stewart Island's highlights and one of the locals' favorite methods is joining guided tours. From chartered boats, adventurous cruises, village and bay excursions, barren region walks, wildlife encounters, and sea kayaking to scenic flights—there's always an excursion that fits your flavor.
The enthusiastic local publications offer more significance than simply short stops at local sights; they have deep information on Stewart Island/Rakiura's natural and cultural history to make sure you have a meaningful level.
Under the guidance of nearby professionals, you'll gain a unique insight into this rugged island paradise and find out about Stewart Island's history and surroundings. Each ride is particular, customized for each player, and full of unforgettable moments.
Stewart Island Accommodation
Kaka Retreat is nestled in lush native bush, providing guests with a serene environment to relax and unwind while still being just a 5-7 minute walk from Stewart Island's restaurants, shops, and main attractions.
Surrounded by wonderful birdlife, the cottages offer a charming ambiance, making guests feel like they're immersed in the native bush while still being close to the town. Kaka Retreat also offers premium ferry shuttle services.
The Bay Motel is located in the town center, just a 3-minute walk from the ferry, airport, and all amenities. It offers easy access to activities such as walking, fishing, and cycling.
The Bay Motel features 9 single-room apartments, one single-room spa unit, one one-bedroom spa unit, and one two-bedroom unit. All units boast beautiful views of Halfmoon Bay or the surrounding bush. Airport transfers are available from pick-up to drop-off.
The South Sea Hotel is an iconic landmark on Stewart Island. Situated within the center of Halfmoon Bay and just a stone's throw from the seaside, it is an appropriate place to stay for your holiday on Stewart Island. You can reach the inn within a 3-minute walk from the ferry or plane arrival point on the island.
Stewart Island Weather
Stewart Island's summer average temperature hovers around 20°C. Opting to rise with the solar at five am and witnessing the sundown around 10 pm in the course of the lengthy summer days gives enough time for exploration.
The annual rainfall on Stewart Island is lower than in Auckland, with spring arriving in advance than in other southern areas, boasting vibrant colors and longer daylight hours. Winter on the island is milder and calmer than winters on the mainland of New Zealand.
The rainforests and wetlands on the island are first-rate proof of its climatic conditions. However, because of the opportunity to shower and cold fronts at any time, it is beneficial to percent clothing and footwear appropriate for all seasons.