Rakiura Stewart Island NZ

Rakiura Stewart Island

We Tour NZ > Destinations > Rakiura Stewart Island

Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island, situated 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. This is one magical spot…

In the Māori language, it’s known as Rakiura which means ‘the land of glowing skies’. You’ll get an inkling why when you see the Aurora Australis, which often appears in these southern skies.

Stewart Island is a haven for endemic NZ wildlife. Brown kiwi or Tokoeka, which outnumber humans on the island, are active day and night. Blue penguins and rare yellow-eyed penguins waddle among the rocks. Offshore on Ulva Island, you’ll find a predator-free bird sanctuary with dozens of native species.

A large part of the island is a National Park with hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks. Many people come here for hiking and birdwatching, or just relaxing in this beautiful and largely untouched wilderness environment.