Overview
Stewart Island / Rakiura is New Zealand’s third-largest island and one of its most extraordinary secrets — a pristine wilderness retreat sitting at the bottom of the world, just 30 kilometres south of the South Island across the Foveaux Strait.
With 85% of the island protected as Rakiura National Park, your clients will find some of the most unspoilt landscapes in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, ancient podocarp forest meets rugged coastline, birdlife fills the air with sound, and the pace of life slows to something wonderfully unhurried. The island’s only settlement, Oban, is a charming fishing village with a warm, community spirit that welcomes visitors like old friends.
Stewart Island is a must for nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers and anyone seeking a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience. With a population of fewer than 400 residents and no traffic lights in sight, this is truly New Zealand at its most raw and real.
Climate
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Summer
Dec—Feb18°C Avg. High11°C Avg. Low -
Winter
Jun—Aug10°C Avg. High5°C Avg. Low
Things to do
- Spot a Kiwi in the Wild
- Stewart Island is one of the few places on earth where your clients can witness wild kiwi in their natural habitat — and remarkably, they can often be spotted during the day on Mason Bay’s beaches. Evening guided kiwi-spotting tours from Oban are a highlight, offering an intimate, unforgettable encounter with New Zealand’s most iconic bird.
- Walk the Rakiura Track
- One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the 36-kilometre Rakiura Track takes walkers through lush native forest, across sheltered bays and along stunning coastlines. The three-day circuit is well-suited to a range of fitness levels and passes through some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery. Day walks from Oban are also available for those with less time.
- Explore the National Park
- Rakiura National Park covers the vast majority of the island and is laced with walking tracks ranging from short nature strolls to multi-day backcountry adventures. The Northwest Circuit — a challenging 10–12 day tramp — is considered one of New Zealand’s great wilderness experiences for well-prepared hikers.
- Chase the Southern Lights
- Stewart Island’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places in New Zealand to witness the Aurora Australis. Winter evenings (June to August) offer the highest chance of a sighting, and guided aurora tours are available from Oban on clear nights.
- Get Out on the Water
- The island’s coastline is best explored by boat. Ulva Island Water Taxi and local operators offer scenic harbour cruises, fishing trips and excursions to Ulva Island — an open wildlife sanctuary where rare native birds such as the South Island saddleback, kākāpō and Stewart Island robin can be spotted with ease.
- Visit Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara)
- A short water taxi ride from Golden Bay, Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Walking tracks wind through ancient podocarp forest alive with birdsong, offering exceptional wildlife encounters in a compact, accessible setting. Entry is free and day visits are easy to arrange.
- Taste Stewart Island’s Seafood
- Stewart Island is famed for its seafood — particularly its succulent blue cod and crayfish (rock lobster), freshly landed by the island’s working fishing fleet. Encourage your clients to enjoy a meal at the South Sea Hotel or a local café, where the catch of the day is as fresh as it gets.
Tips & Suggestions
- Plan for a multi-night stay. Stewart Island rewards those who linger. Two to three nights allows time to do the Rakiura Track, visit Ulva Island and take an evening kiwi-spotting tour. Day-trippers often wish they’d stayed longer.
- Book early — especially in summer. Accommodation on the island is limited. The summer months (December to February) are peak season and book out well in advance. Advise clients to secure accommodation and Great Walk hut passes before travelling.
