Things To Do in Stewart Island

Stewart Island caters to both the laid-back traveller seeking a relaxing island haven and the traveller seeking adventure.

Apart from its slightly cooler temperatures, Stewart Island’s golden sandy bays, Halfmoon and Horseshoe being the most popular, make it feel like a tropical paradise. Kick back at the quirky Bunkhouse Theatre, peruse the Rakiura Museum, or shoot a round of golf at the Ringa Ringa course. Discover the island’s 28km of roads on an electric bike or by taxi and explore further afield with a guided walk, tour, or boat trip – of which there is an abundance to choose from!

Tramping, birding, fishing, diving, and kayaking are just some of the exciting activities offered on Stewart Island. Rakiura National Park, Te Wharawhara Ulva Island and Ulva Island Marine Reserve are natural playgrounds and jewels in the island’s crown. Highlights for visitors include guided night-time trips to view Kiwi in the wild and hiking the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s great walks. For the less adventurous, there are plenty of short walks around the island’s township, Oban.

Guided Tours

One of the best ways to see the highlights and local favourites of Stewart Island is to take a guided tour. With boat charters and adventure cruises and village and bay tours, wilderness walks and wildlife encounters, sea kayaking and even scenic flights – there’s a tour to suit every taste.

Being guided by a local expert will allow you to gain a unique insight into this rugged island paradise and insider knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island.