Rakiura | Stewart Island
Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest of New Zealand's three main islands. Just 30km from the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and adventure.
Rakiura is a unique environment; despite being Subantarctic, its clear turquoise sea and white sand beaches make Rakiura look more like a tropical paradise. The Aurora Australis Southern Lights can be regularly sighted from the Island, making it a spectacular location for astrotourism and leading to the name Rakiura, "The Land of Glowing Skies".
Roughly 85% of the Island forms the wild and enchanting Rakiura National Park. One of the best ways to experience the park is by tramping the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, which explores the Island's range of unmodified ecosystems - from rainforests and wetlands to vast sand dunes. The Island is home to over 280km of walking tracks, making it a great destination for trampers and hikers alike. Other activities include birding, fishing, sea kayaking, diving and hunting.
An absolute must-do, Te Wharawhara Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary in Stewart Island's Paterson Inlet. The Island, especially Ulva Island, is a haven for birdlife, such as friendly Kākā and Weka, colourful Kākāriki, South Island Saddlebacks, little Blue Penguins, rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins Hoiho, and dozens of other native species. It is the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see Brown Kiwi in their natural habitat.
Access to the Island is by a 20-minute flight from Invercargill, a one-hour ferry ride or a 15-minute helicopter ride from Bluff.
Stewart Island
Discover Rakiura
You won't want to miss...
When planning your trip to Rakiura, make sure you check out this iconic and unmissable event on the island!
Rakiura Challenge Trail Run
Conquer one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks in a single day. The country's southern-most trail run is the ultimate weekend getaway.
Southland
Rakiura Stories
Rakiura Itinerary
View All Southland RoadtripsRomantic getaway in Rakiura Stewart Island
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Anytime
Rakiura Stewart Island is the place to go with your significant other if you're after a weekend away from the hustle and bustle is the place to go with your significant other. This island is…
Explore Murihiku Southland
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Invercargill
Waihōpai Invercargill is the regional capital and commercial hub of Southland. Founded in the 1850s, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city - and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Numerous… Read More
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Northern Southland
Northern Southland is a beautiful contrast of green, rolling farmland, majestic snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad high country. Read More
Central Southland
Central Southland is 1.5 million hectares of lush, rolling farmland. The district has always thrived on agriculture, although sawmills, flax and linen-flax industries, lime works, brickworks and tile works… Read More
Western Southland
Tucked between the towering peaks of Fiordland to the west, the Takitimu mountain range to the north, and the wild ocean to the south, Western Southland boasts spectacular unspoilt scenery and limitless… Read More