You haven’t fully explored New Zealand until you've ventured down to the southernmost end of the country to the majestic yet mysterious, Stewart Island/Rakiura (Rakiura in Māori). Roughly 85% of the island’s landmass forms the enchanting Rakiura National Park making Stewart Island a perfect getaway for those seeking peace, quiet, and adventure. Here kiwi birds outnumber the human population. (Oban is the only town on the Island with a population of 400.)
With over 280km of walking tracks distributed around the island with a vast range of unmodified ecosystems, you’ll experience a tranquil oasis and reconnect with the wildlife and local Māori culture through some incredible activities you can indulge in on the island. The options are endless—whether you want to enjoy the land, and sea or have a nightscape, observe the rich flora and fauna while walking, boating, diving, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing—Stewart Island has it all. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit to Stewart Island.
How To Get To Stewart Island
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The journey to the south of New Zealand's South Island, Stewart Island is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff or a 20-minute flight on a fixed-wing aircraft from Invercargill airport. The hour-long ferry crossing is an adventure in itself, treating you to the soaring sight of key wildlife such as mollymawks (albatross). With daily flights from Wellington, and Christchurch, and connecting flights from Auckland into Invercargill, flying to Stewart Island is also a dream. For road lovers, daily coach connections to Invercargill from nearby cities: Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, and Christchurch can help you get there.
Once you arrive, a quick visit to the Oban Visitor Centre or DOC (Department of Conservation) Visitor Centre is a good way to plan your sojourn. The friendly staff at these centres can provide you with good local knowledge to explore the island to the fullest.
How To Get Around Stewart Island
With only 28 km of roads, most things on the island are within walking distance. Although if you’re up for an adventure to discover a few hidden spots, beaches, and tracks, exploring the picturesque island on an e-bike, motor scooter, minivan, rental car or shuttle bus can help you create lifetime memories to cherish. For secluded spots, charter boats and water taxis are a great way to explore the isolated sea treasures and discover marine life and can be rented from the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal.
Where To Stay On Stewart Island
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Stewart Island has everything from staying in a budget-friendly backpacker to luxury accommodation, from fully-hosted lodges to self-catering family homes.
Stewart Island Backpackers is a great option for budget travelers and is conveniently based in the heart of Halfmoon Bay offering friendly, comfortable, and clean accommodation and shared kitchen facilities at reasonable prices. A central fixture in Oban, Stewart Island's iconic South Sea Hotel is also based in the town center, just a 2-minute walk from the ferry and airline terminal. Along with a great restaurant offering locally sourced seafood and a varied menu, this hotel has an on-site bar to meet locals, view historic photos, and learn about island life and history.
If you’re after a secluded setting, a privacy-assured ambiance surrounded by birdsong and captivating natural scenery, Rakiura Retreat, and Anchorstoe Luxury Boutique Accommodation both offer comfortable units that provide a sanctuary at the end of an adventure-filled day.
Hananui PurePod and Tokoeka PurePod, are other options, both PurePods concept branches in Stewart Island—a sustainable, stylish, and innovative network of glass eco-cabins that is entirely solar powered. With a very private and heavenly off-grid location, PurePod on the island is a perfect place for you to unwind after a long day for an experience like no other—stargaze from their glass cabin, drinking up the calm, untouched, wild beauty of Rakiura.
Where to Eat on Stewart Island
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From top-class gourmet offerings to food trucks to cafes built in historical museums, every meal is an opportunity to explore the Island’s culinary diversity that rightfully represents the island's purity and freshness of the environment.
For a classic kiwi experience, enjoy fish and chips, as rāwaru/blue cod—Southland's most famous and plentiful fish is served in a few locations including at the local food truck Kai Kart, very well-known for serving one of the best fish n chips in the country. Fun fact: Stewart Island is also worldwide famous for its sustainably-farmed salmon. Make sure to try some for yourself at the nearby South Sea Hotel, and enjoy the melting texture and a delicious flavour of either fresh or smoked salmon with the finest view of Oban. A Sunday pub quiz night at the South Sea Hotel is surely not to be missed if you want to experience the grandeur of quizzes in a classic pub, with endless flows of beers, roaring laughter, and newly fostered friendships.
For coffee lovers, the cafe scene on the island has evolved over the years, and what’s better than spending your day sipping away on endless cups of fresh coffee with homemade bread at a rustic old museum tuned into the country’s southernmost cafe on Stewart Island, The Snuggery.
Things To Do On Stewart Island
Hike the Rakiura Track, New Zealand’s Great Walk
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The 32-km Rakiura Track gives you a plethora of natural landscapes from the open coast to climbing over forested ridges, traversing along the sheltered coastline to relaxing on the untouched wilderness beaches. During the day, you’ll find yourself walking to the rhythm of the trail and at night, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the warmth of the hut and the occasional screeching of a kiwi bird. If you’re up for an adventure, you could go on a short night walk to observe the nocturnal kiwi birds, a native to the region. Can you link to the hut?
The Rakiura Track is also notorious for temperamental weather with erratic rainfall lending to a fair bit of muddy trail and muddy crossings. It might not be for the faint-hearted, but it all adds to the charm and challenge of the Rakiura track. Check out Mountain Safety Council’s handy guide for preparing gear for your walk.
Check Out The Arts Scene
Stewart Island has lots of creative pursuits going on thanks to the islanders and their endless creative streak. The Rakiura Museum, home to an extensive collection of historic items, artifacts, photographs, archival relics, and material relates to the rich history of Stewart Island and is a great pitstop on your island exploration. Take a tour of the museum through its interactive media, visual touch screens, and audio oral histories to get insightful knowledge on the island and carve your own greenstone pendant at Rakiura Jade.
Birdwatching on Ulva Island
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One of the best places to see the native New Zealand birds in the wild has to be on Ulva Island. Well-connected with walking trails among rich ancient rainforests, the pest-free island is home to rare and endangered bird species, including the kiwi, parakeets, yellowheads, tui, wood pigeons, kaka, weka, and bellbirds among many others.
Stargaze And Catch The Southern Lights
Prepare to unleash your inner astronomer and witness the glittering constellations and celestial bodies. ‘Rakiura’ in te reo Māori translates to ‘glowing skies’. As the name suggests, Stewart Island is blessed with clear night skies for stargazing and is renowned for being one of the best places in New Zealand to witness the Southern lights or Aurora Australis. In 2019 Stewart Island/Rakiura was awarded ‘Dark Sky Sanctuary’ accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association, for having outstanding sky quality, free from light pollution making the exceptionally dark skies a wonderful sight.
The best part about stargazing on Stewart Island is that you don’t have to book a trip or need a guide, you can stargaze almost anywhere on the island, but a few spots would be Lee Bay car park, Moturau Moana Gardens, Observation Rock, and Ackers Point Lighthouse.
Explore The Beautiful Secluded Beaches
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With beautiful beaches and spectacular coastlines around almost every corner, you’re spoilt for choices to find the right secluded spot on Stewart Island. Go for a stroll from Oban’s Half Moon Bay to Horseshoe Bay and you’ll be treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the town and coastline. Continue your stroll past the houses and Lee Bay will welcome you with a turquoise clear water and cappuccino-coloured shiny sand.
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Main image credit: Real Journeys | supplied.