Stewart Island - South Island, New Zealand

Of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest (about 75km long and 45km wide). Separated from the South Island by the 32km (20 mile) Foveaux Strait, 85% of the island contains New Zealand's newest national park - Rakiura National Park.

In the Maori language, Stewart Island is known as Rakiura, which translates as "the land of the glowing skies."" This name probably refers to the aurora australis, an atmospheric phenomenon often seen in the southern sky (also known as Southern Lights).

The island is a nature lover's paradise, with unspoilt windswept beaches and inlets, rugged coastline and virgin native bush. Birdlife is prolific - around the coast there are sooty shearwaters, mollymawks, cape pigeons and various types of penguin.

While hiking inland you will see and hear bellbirds, tui, fantails, kaka and many more. With a guide, you can watch kiwis feeding on sandhoppers at the beach.

For anyone seeking peace and tranquillity, Stewart Island is the ultimate spot. There are superb bush walks with well-maintained tracks and great launch cruises around some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline. The island's amazingly clear and clean waters make it a snorkelling and diving paradise.

Stewart Island's small and easy going population of about 400 resides in the island's only settlement of Oban, a small fishing village residing on the picturesque shores of Halfmoon Bay.

Most of the island's hiking tracks start here. Others can be accessed by water taxi. There is a range of essential shops in the town and a choice of places to eat and drink. Boat charters are available from Oban covering a wide range of interests including fishing, sightseeing and wildlife spotting.

Other highlights of Stewart Island include Ulva Island, a predator free sanctuary for bird watching, and Ocean Beach where licensed operators take small groups to watch brown kiwi feeding at dusk.

The best way to get to Stewart Island is to fly from Invercargill with Stewart Island Flights. If you have camping stove fuel or want to save money, and you can stomach the notoriously rough waters of Foveaux Strait, there are ferries and a catamaran from Bluff.

The best way to get around Stewart Island is to walk and water taxi or rent a car or scooter for the roaded parts. There are many charter trips available also.

Stewart Island Accommodation

There are a surprisingly high number of motels, hotels, backpackers hostels, camping grounds and even upmarket lodges. It does pay to book though, as finding accommodation can be difficult in the high volume summer season, and many places close down in the off-season.

Stewart Island Activities

Stewart Island is a walker's paradise from short walks to serious, multi day hikes. At the DOC Visitor Centre you can get pamphlets on all the walks on the island.

The best tracks include the Rakiura Track (one of New Zealand's great walks), a 29km, three day circuit, starting and ending in at Oban with birdlife, beaches and lush bush.

On the northern coast is the North West Circuit Track, a 125km trail that takes 10-12 days. This is definitely for the experienced and fit hiker.

Sea Kayaking is popular in Patterson Inlet with its 100km of sheltered waters, its 20 islands, DOC huts and two navigable rivers.

There are also numerous tours and cruises to cater to every visitor whether it be fishing, bird watching, kiwi spotting, eco touring or sightseeing.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Stewart Island accommodation and Stewart Island activities letting you and your family/friends have an exciting time indulging in the superb aquatic activities on offer on Stewart Island.